From Education to Innovation: The Role of Human Capital in Romania’s Economic Development (SDG 4–8–9 Perspective)
|
|
|
| Authors: |
|
| Pages: | 119 : 131 |
| Abstract: | Human capital represents one of the most important determinants of economic development in modern knowledge-based economies. This study examines the relationship between education, labor market participation, and innovation capacity in Romania within the analytical framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Using recent statistical data from Eurostat, OECD, and the National Institute of Statistics, the research analyzes the dynamics of key human capital indicators during the period 2020–2024. The methodological approach combines descriptive statistical analysis with econometric modeling using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework in order to capture both short-term dynamics and long-term relationships between variables. The results indicate that although Romania has improved certain labor market indicators, structural challenges such as early school leaving, low research and development investment, and labor migration continue to limit the transformation of human capital into innovation and productivity growth. The findings highlight the importance of coordinated public policies that strengthen the connections between education systems, labor markets, and innovation capacity in order to support sustainable economic development and convergence with the European Union. |
| JEL classification: | I25, J24, O15, O38 |
|
|
I25, J24, O15, O38
