Public Investment In Education Research Articles

Governmental Expenditures and the Challenges to Improve Road Safety in Brazil

This article addresses governmental actions to improve road safety through the analysis of road traffic fatalities and expenditures in education, engineering, and enforcement (the 3E’s approach) in Brazil between 2011 and 2021 from the Fundo Nacional de Segurança e Educação de Trânsito (Funset), a public fund to support actions in safety, education, and engineering to improve Brazilian road safety. Graphical analysis was conducted, Pearson correlation coefficient was used for the variables of Funset expenditures (lnpay) and road deaths in Brazil (lndeaths), and a linear regression model was built to estimate the variation in road fatalities as a function of Funset expenditures. The results show a decrease in road deaths in Brazil with a slight upward trend and a reduction in Funset expenditures for road safety improvement. There is a positive correlation between the downward trend in Funset public investments in education, engineering, and enforcement and fatalities on roads of 0.79. Funset expenditures are inadequately allocated with low expenditure execution average (16.8%). There are many challenges for the Brazilian public administration to ensure road safety, however, it is important to maintain financial support for road safety strategies to improve it and save lives.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SPENDING IN BRAZIL'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2000 TO 2023)

Public expenditure can influence economic development by increasing public investment. This study seeks to analyze the importance of public investments in education, health, infrastructure and human capital in the process of economic development. The objective of the article is to address, from a theoretical perspective, the relevance of public spending in Brazilian economic development. The research showed that an efficient allocation of public spending in different strategic, innovative areas with potential disseminators can influence and influence the country's economic development.

The Impact of Social Class Solidification on the Educational Opportunities of the Next Generation in the Philippines and the Barriers to Social Mobility in Primary Education

This paper explores the impact of social class solidification on the educational opportunities of the next generation in the Philippines, focusing specifically on primary education and the barriers to social mobility faced by children from low-income families. Despite recent economic growth, the Philippines remains deeply stratified, with income inequality and social class divisions reinforcing each other. This entrenched disparity limits access to quality education for disadvantaged students, exacerbating the cycle of poverty. Key barriers include economic constraints, underfunded public schools, language mismatches, and limited access to early childhood education, all of which contribute to lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates among poor students. The long-term effects of these barriers perpetuate inequality, hinder the development of a skilled workforce, and contribute to social instability. The paper argues that systemic reforms, such as increased investment in public education, targeted support for disadvantaged students, language and curriculum reforms, and expanded access to early childhood education, are critical to breaking this cycle. By addressing these barriers, the Philippines can create a more equitable education system that enables upward social mobility and promotes long-term social and economic stability.

Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health: Strategies for Resilience

This article examines the impact of climate change on public health and explores strategies for building resilience to mitigate its adverse effects. Climate change, through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems, poses significant challenges to global public health, exacerbating health issues such as heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, respiratory conditions, and food and water insecurity. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income communities, and those in developing regions, are disproportionately affected. This study reviews the current scientific literature on the health impacts of climate change and identifies key strategies for enhancing public health resilience. These strategies include the development of early warning systems, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and fostering community-based adaptation initiatives. Additionally, it highlights the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration between governments, public health agencies, and civil society in addressing climate-related health risks. The role of policy frameworks, such as integrating climate adaptation into public health planning and promoting sustainable practices, is also discussed. Case studies from countries with proactive climate health strategies provide insights into successful resilience-building efforts. The findings suggest that a comprehensive, proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation can significantly reduce public health vulnerabilities and enhance community resilience. The article concludes by recommending targeted investments in public health infrastructure, education, and policy reform to safeguard communities from the growing health threats posed by climate change.

Climbing university rankings under resources constraints: a combined approach integrating DEA and directed Louvain community detection

AbstractOver recent years, scholarly interest in universities’ allocation and effective utilisation of financial resources has been growing. When used efficiently, financial resources may improve universities’ quality of research and teaching, and therefore their positions in world university rankings. However, despite the relevance of financial efficiency to university placement in academic rankings, universities’ total available financial resources appear much more significant. In the present study, we propose an innovative methodology to determine realistic ranking targets for individual universities, based on their available financial resources. In particular, we combine data envelopment analysis, as developed by Banker et al. (Manag Sci 30(9):1078–1092, 1984), and a directed Louvain community detection algorithm to examine 318 universities across five countries, considering their ARWU scores alongside key financial indicators (i.e., long-term physical capital, total operating revenues). We identify clusters of universities with similar financial profiles and corresponding ARWU scores, as well as universities that have optimised their use of financial resources, representing benchmarks for similar universities to emulate. The approach is subsequently applied to Italian universities, as a specific national case. The findings may be useful for policy makers and university managers seeking reliable strategies for climbing academic rankings, particularly in countries with limited public investment in higher education.

The role of African extractive industries in the global energy transition: An analysis of barriers and strategies

Endowed with a significant proportion of the world’s petroleum and solid mineral resources, Africa is the location of a vibrant and dynamic extractive industries sector, which today, is its chief economic mainstay. The revenue generated from the extractive industries has been a significant source of finance for public infrastructure development and investments in education, health and the development of other economic sectors across the continent. However, the African extractive industries have faced massive setbacks in recent years, in particular due to the economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the global transition to a low carbon economy that has formed a central part of ongoing efforts to respond to the climate change emergency. These challenges have accentuated concerns on the current and future relevance of the African extractive industries in a low-carbon economy world order.This article examines the role played by the African extractive industries in the global energy transition, contextualising these concerns against a continuum of disruption arising as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergent efforts to redress the crisis posed by anthropogenic climate change. If well managed, extractive resources could play a crucial role in advancing energy security and transition in the African continent in the face of these challenges. In addition to its role in addressing current high levels of energy poverty across Africa in this disruptive setting, environmentally-responsible production of extractive resources can help sustain economic and social development across Africa in going forward. This article examines the current opportunities and challenges for cleaner and environmentally-responsible extractive investments in Africa in a low carbon world. It analyses the preconditions and barriers to environmentally-responsible fossil fuels developments in Africa and highlights the key considerations for African policymakers. Its analysis is informed by recognition of, and sensitivity towards, the extreme disruption to fossil fuel governance embodied by the twin concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current “climate emergency.” Through a qualitative analysis, this research has found that if well-managed, African resource-rich countries could utilise the revenues from the extractive industries to invest in low carbon technologies.

Household Energy Clean Transition Mechanisms under Market Failures: A Government Financing Perspective

Abstract: Clarifying the principles governing the transition to cleaner household energy is crucial for enhancing households’ access to clean and efficient energy, thereby enhancing households’ welfare and overall societal well-being. However, most existing energy transition theories are grounded in assumptions of perfect market functionality. This paradigm deviates from the reality of market failure and needs to comprehensively elucidate the process of transitioning to cleaner household energy. This study develops a framework for understanding the transition to cleaner household energy within the context of market failure. It investigates the effects and mechanisms of government funding and energy endowment on this transition, considering the accessibility and affordability of clean energy. The analysis is based on 20 years of data on rural energy consumption across 29 provinces in China. The findings reveal that government funding inputs significantly enhance the transition to cleaner household energy, facilitated by the clean energy supply effect, clean technology promotion effect, clean knowledge dissemination effect, and financial constraint alleviation effect. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that in regions abundant in renewable energy, government funding inputs can effectively stimulate the development and utilization of renewable energy sources, thereby enhancing the accessibility of clean energy and driving the transition to cleaner household energy. Finally, it is recommended that the market play a constructive role in the energy transition process in addition to increased government investment in energy infrastructure, extension services, and public education.

Access to Labour and “Differential Inclusion” for Young Venezuelan Migrants in Ecuador

Young migrants and refugees provide important inputs concerning production and social reproduction mechanisms (care work) that reproduce unequal but highly profitable patterns of accumulation around the world. The expansion of globalisation and neoliberalism has deepened such social dynamics, leading to a “multiplication of labour.” The diversification and heterogenization of migrant labour within neoliberal frameworks raise ethical and human rights concerns, including issues related to fair wages, working conditions, and access to social protections. After a neoliberal era in Latin America, the emergence of post‐development politics in the region led to increased efforts to address the needs of these populations. This article seeks to contribute to debates about “differential inclusion” in South–South migration and access to labour and social protection by analysing a specific case study of young Venezuelans, a recently growing phenomenon that has a great impact on the region. Ecuador is noteworthy because it hosts one of the largest populations of Venezuelan migrants and refugees and has adopted a human rights perspective in conjunction with public investments in social policy, health, and education. Despite efforts to legalize the work status of Venezuelan migrants, a more restrictive policy began to be implemented in 2019 that limited their access to formal labour and social protection. Within these complex dynamics of differential inclusion, instead of seeing these young migrants and refugees as victims, we analyse their resilience strategies of accessing social provisions while coping with informality and irregular status, as well as conditions of multiplication of labour. Using four real‐life stories as examples taken from a larger ethnographic study, we illustrate how dynamics of differential inclusion intersect with the gender, age, and legal status of young Venezuelans in Ecuador. The case studies are complemented with structural explanations from 6,000 household surveys collected between 2017 and 2020.

Public Education Investment, Economic Growth and Welfare: A Political Economy Analysis with Preference Heterogeneity

This study examines the politics of public education policy and its impact on economic growth and welfare under intergenerational altruism. The study considers an endogenous growth model with altruistic overlapping generations. Due to its significant role in promoting long-term economic expansion, we consider investment in public education to be an effective tool of productive government intervention. Nonetheless, public educational investment has been the subject of political disputes owing to its inherent intergenerational redistributive implications. Backed by the tendency of democratically elected governments to maintain their political power, the preferences of some particular individuals or group of individuals become more dominant in the political process of determining the level of public investment in education. In particular, governments are more concerned with the preferences of the median voter, or the current generation at large, because they, as electors, have the ability to determine the next government. This reality leads governments to exhibit a bias toward the desires of these people. As a result, such political considerations divert the economy from its optimal path of economic growth and reduce the welfare of future generations. This effect becomes more pronounced when individuals with lower levels of altruism toward their offspring assume a more influential position in the political decision-making process over the allocation of public funds for education. Our theoretical analyses demonstrate the implications for economic growth and welfare resulting from policy decisions made by democratically elected governments with inherent biases, as opposed to decisions made by an unbiased social planner.

Examining the Interplay of Global Public Investment, Fiscal Sustainability, and Economic Dynamics: A Comprehensive Analysis

This study searches the intricate relationship between public investment, fiscal sustainability, and economic dynamics, exploring their connections, theoretical foundations, empirical evidence, and policy implications. It highlights the central role of strategic public investment in driving economic growth, maintaining stability, and fostering inclusive development, examining various theoretical perspectives such as neo-classical growth theory, Keynesian economics, endogenous growth theory, new institutional economics, and political economy perspectives to understand how public investment shapes economic outcomes. By synthesizing empirical evidence, the analysis demonstrates the positive association between public investment and critical economic indicators like growth, fiscal sustainability, productivity, and employment. It emphasizes the importance of targeted public investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and innovation in promoting economic prosperity and societal advancement. Moreover, drawing on case studies from diverse regions, the study provides insights into effective strategies for public investment and infrastructure development, highlighting their impacts and challenges. Policy recommendations stemming from the findings advocate for a holistic approach that includes strategic investment, fiscal responsibility, efficiency enhancement, inclusivity promotion, and international cooperation. These recommendations underscore the need to align public investment strategies with national development priorities, ensure fiscal sustainability through prudent management, enhance investment efficiency, foster inclusivity, and leverage global partnerships to tackle common challenges. By adopting these recommendations, policymakers can pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity, ensuring that public investment acts as a driver for positive economic and social change.

Efficiency of public investment in education in Peru, 2016-2022: A comparative analysis by region

The study analyzes the level of technical efficiency of public investment in Education at the primary and secondary level in Peru, 2016 to 2022. Data envelopment analysis – DEA was used and for the association between the provision of resources and educational quality. the panel data fixed effects model. The results indicate that there are relative differences in efficiency between the regions, registering an average score of 49% for the primary level and 38% for the secondary level, with the most efficient being Moquegua, Tacna, Arequipa and Ica, and the least efficient being Loreto, Huánuco, Ucayali, and San Martín. From the input-output association, classroom size, infrastructure in good condition and public investment have a direct relationship, while students per teacher and per computer, the relationship is inverse with respect to educational achievement in communication and mathematics at the primary and secondary level. This suggests that inefficient regions should increase educational attainment at the primary and secondary levels by an average of 51% and 62%, respectively, while maintaining the same level of spending. Therefore, to improve their efficiency within the framework of public policies, they can adopt the management implemented by regions such as Moquegua and Tacna.

Assessment in the efficiency of investments in human capital in the conditions of digital transformation of the economy

The article considers the concept of “investment in human capital”, presents a theoretical and instrumental interpretation of the main components of human capital. The current assessment methods and indicators that characterize the effectiveness of investments in human capital are summarized. Also, a comprehensive and critical analysis of the current methodological aspects for assessing the effectiveness of investments in human capital was made. Education is considered as a property in the form of professional features and self-growing value on the basis of increasing labour productivity of an employee, which is correspondingly distinguished by the growth of wages. Creation of the methodology for assessing the economic efficiency of investments in education at the macroeconomic level is based on the comparison of public investments in education and average wages in the country. The average wage is considered as a productive indicator of the effectiveness of investments in education. The money that is spent on the education of the younger generation, in the foreseeable future will establish the degree of education of the population of the state and, in turn, its competitive advantage in the global community. The proposed model for assessing the effectiveness of investment in education is simple and convenient, it is able to link the efficiency of the firm's activities and the cost of human capital. The article shows the results of the assessment of investment efficiency of the implementation of the State Programme of Education and Science Development of RK for 2020–2025. The analysis of statistical data for Kazakhstan also shows the existence of a close relationship between the remuneration of employees and the volume of investment in education. The article has both theoretical and practical relevance, as it is related to the State Programme “Digital Kazakhstan” with the direction “Human Capital Development” and the topic is in relevant.

Human Resource Management Challenges In The Tourism Industry In Iraq

As Iraq aims to develop its tourism industry to support economic growth following the conflict, a key question arises regarding the workforce needed to enable sustainable sector expansion. This paper explores the unique human resource management (HRM) challenges tourism companies face in this fledgling context through a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews with eight HR executives from major hospitality firms revealed four major problem themes: recruiting skilled talent, excessive turnover, safety and well-being risks, and inadequate training infrastructure. The findings align with strategic HRM theory in that shortfalls in acquiring, motivating, protecting, and developing human capital obstruct the achievement of organizational growth, productivity, service quality, and continuity goals. Practical implications point to increasing public and private investments in formal tourism education, safety standards, and company-level development programs as priority actions to remedy crippling HRM constraints for the emerging Iraqi tourism sector. The paper spotlights an underexplored yet critically important HRM context, providing empirical insights to inform policies and practices that can unlock the sector's potential.

How public education investment and advanced human capital structure affect regional innovation: A spatial econometric analysis from the perspective of innovation value chain

This research delves into the impact of public education investment and advanced human capital structure on the innovation outputs at various processes of China's regional innovation value chains. Utilizing the spatial Dubin model, the study analyzes panel data from 30 provinces spanning from 2002 to 2020, distinguishing between the Research and Development (R&D) and Commercialization sub-processes in regional innovation. It reveals that public education investment significantly boosts R&D output directly and also positively influences commercialization output through spillover effects. This trend remains consistent over time. The study also uncovers regional variations in the effects of public education investment on innovation outputs between China's eastern regions and its central-western counterparts. This study does not find any evidence that public education investment leads to local advanced human capital structure. In terms of direct impacts, there appears to be a substitution effect between public education investment and the advanced human capital structure on local R&D outputs, while a more advanced human capital structure tends to negatively correlate with local commercialization outputs. Notably, the study indicates that the higher the level of advanced human capital structure, the more pronounced the negative impact of public education investment on local commercialization outputs. In light of the above findings, we believe that governments should increase public investment in education, but also recognize that investment alone is not enough. It is necessary to transform the education development model and establish a high-quality innovation system. Differentiated strategies for different regions should be implemented, and an appropriate investment compensation mechanism should be established to solve the problem of uneven investment returns. We also do not recommend blindly pursuing the advanced human capital structure. Only when investment in education is in line with the human capital structure will it produce the best results.

Public education expenditure and corporate human capital: Evidence from China

The coordinated development of public education spending, human capital accumulation, and economic growth is a prerequisite for the virtuous cycle of regional economic development. The research results indicate that provincial-level public education expenditure has a positive impact on corporate human capital expenditure, and this impact is more pronounced in the western regions and non-state-owned enterprises. Based on this, the Chinese government should establish a long-term mechanism to ensure a certain level of public education investment in the future.

COGNITIVE MISPERCEPTION, DISABILITY, AND MORTALITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN 25 COUNTRIES

Abstract Despite a large body of literature on cognitive ability and health, less is known about the health consequences of biased cognitive perception. Using harmonized and nationally representative longitudinal surveys from 25 countries spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas, we document the growing gap between actual and perceived cognitive ability that appears to increase with age, and construct a standardized measure of cognitive misperception. Linking this novel measure with mortality and disability, we model the cognitive misperception – health gradient. Results show that being in the upper quartile of cognitive misperception (i.e., showing heightened overconfidence in cognition) leads to higher mortality rates within 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Conditional on survival, being overconfident in cognition also greatly increases the risks of incident disability and frailty, especially for older adults receiving less family support. We identify two possible pathways inducing poorer outcomes: the first stemming from increased risk taking and financial vulnerability; the second associated with suboptimal use of preventive services and declines in health-promoting behaviors. Given the large and profound impacts of cognitive misperception on older adults’ health and well-being, more family and social supports, public investment in education and health literacy, and better healthcare access and affordability are needed to increase the timely awareness of cognitive decline.

Grads on the go: Measuring college‐specific labor markets for graduates

AbstractThis paper introduces a new measure of the labor markets served by colleges and universities across the United States. About 50% of recent college graduates are living and working in the metro area nearest the institution they attended, with this figure climbing to 67% in‐state. The geographic dispersion of alumni is more than twice as great for highly selective 4‐year institutions as for 2‐year institutions. However, more than one quarter of 2‐year institutions disperse alumni more diversely than the average public 4‐year institution. In one application of these data, we find that the average strength of the labor market to which a college sends its graduates predicts college‐specific intergenerational economic mobility. In a second application, we quantify the extent of “brain drain” across areas and illustrate the importance of considering migration patterns of college graduates when estimating the social return on public investment in higher education.

Governmental Investments statistic and tourism at the Balkans

The Balkan region has proved to be a controversial territory. Through a long history and many controversies, the area rose to a popular destination. Common and uncommon elements make it a unique destination. Tourism has provided a sustainable source of revenue, as in every destination. Public investments are an important element of every activity to flourish and to bring private investments. Through public investments in infrastructure, superstructure, and education, we can provide a better tourist experience. In our paper, we discuss 5 countries of the region, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia. All of these destinations drew the attention of other countries and investment institutions like China and Russia. To take a look at public investments and tourism development, we compare core national accounts like the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P.), Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.), Gross Fixed Capital Formation (G.F.C.F.), and the inbound tourism at under investigation countries. Data indicate that there was a slowdown in each country’s economy during COVID-19 but then the production increased (Gross Domestic Product (GDP)). The Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.) has a stable rate for the first years and then increases for each country. Data for the Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.) for the tourism industry exist only for Bulgaria and show a decrease and a negative Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.) indication that assets must have been sold. Data for the Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.) for the transport equipment and total construction have fluctuations without extreme increases or decreases, showing a stable rate of asset accumulation. The findings from the research conclude that till COVID-19 all the economies had a stable rate of growth, and the decrease in tourism activity had a small impact on the decrease of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), except Bulgaria all the other economies slowed down during COVID era, Gross Fixed Capital Formation (G.F.C.F.) for Montenegro and North Macedonia remained stable for the period under study in contrast of the rest countries that were exhibiting a rise from time to time, the general Gross Capital Formation (G.C.F.) accounts always indicate growth in contrast to sectional accounts as they the total accumulated investments or production. Finally, there is insufficient data for the Gross Fixed Capital Formation (G.F.C.F.) for hospitality and tourism which does not allow the researchers to make any assumption with robust data for either the investments or the capital that occurred in other to be invested in the future.

Plastic Waste Regime in Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa: A Comparative Case Study

Purpose: Plastic waste has become a major environmental concern worldwide, posing significant challenges to ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development. This case study explores the plastic waste regimes in three African countries: Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa. By examining these countries' policies, strategies, and initiatives, the study aims to highlight their approaches to managing plastic waste and draw lessons for effective waste management practices.
 Methodology: The case study utilises a comparative analysis framework to identify similarities and differences in the plastic waste regimes of the three countries. It examines the regulatory frameworks, waste management infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and recycling initiatives implemented in each country.Furthermore, the study delves into plastic waste's socio-economic and environmental impacts and evaluates the effectiveness of the measures taken to address the issue.
 Findings: Findings demonstrate that Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa have adopted diverse strategies to tackle plastic waste. Rwanda has established a comprehensive waste management system emphasising recycling and community engagement, while Kenya has implemented a ban on plastic bags. South Africa, on the other hand, has embraced extended producer responsibility and developed a recycling infrastructure. These strategies have led to varying degrees of success in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. An examination of the challenges faced by each country revealed factors such as inadequate waste infrastructure, limited resources, and the need for behavioural change among citizens. It also identified the role of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, in driving plastic waste management initiatives.
 Recommendations: Finally, relying on the substantive legitimacy theory, the study provides recommendations based on the acceptability of the policies and best practices observed in the case countries. These include investment in waste management infrastructure, public education and awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration. Countries can effectively address the plastic waste challenge by adopting an integrated approach that combines policy interventions, infrastructure development, and behavioural change. Overall, this case study contributes to the understanding of plastic waste management in Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa, shedding light on successful strategies and areas for improvement. It emphasises the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach to create sustainable plastic waste regimes that protect the environment, promote circular economy principles, and safeguard public health.

The Democratic Mission of Higher Education: A Review Essay

Abstract Controversies about speech on college campuses attract intense popular attention. Three recent books analyze campus speech as one of the ways that academia affects American democracy. In The Channels of Student Activism, Amy J. Binder and Jeffrey L. Kidder argue that college-student activists respond to incentives. Progressive students have opportunities to engage closely with their universities but often end up frustrated, while conservative students get support from national organizations to work off-campus and endorse conservative visiting speakers as a way of influencing their own institutions. Among other recommendations, Binder and Kidder suggest that universities should promote democratic values by adopting more persuasive positions about controversial speech. In Cancel Wars, Sigal-Ben Porath defends one such position: universities should avoid censorship and punitive responses to speech while actively ensuring that all members of their community are valued. In What Universities Owe Democracy, Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels argues that higher education affects democracy in many ways beyond explicit political speech, and he presents recommendations that involve admissions, curricular reform, and research. Levine finds many helpful insights and suggestions in these books but adds reasons to doubt the democratic potential of prestigious colleges and universities. He advocates serious public investment in democratic education for children and for adults who are not students.