The paper examines the evidence linking investment in higher education to econonic growth over a period of nearly ten years in the OECD countries. It shows that enrolments in higher education in these countries have a significant positive impact on the rate of growth, while enrolments in particular disciplines do not. This means that investment in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a strategy for stimulating productivity in Britain will not work, except in so far as this improves enrolments in higher education in general. The paper concludes with a discussion of what is likely to happen to economic growth if the new funding regime in higher education to be introduced in 2012 has a significant negative impact on university enrolments in Britain
Presented by:
Paul Whiteley (Essex Government Department)
Date & time:
February 23, 2011 1:00 pm - February 23, 2011 2:00 pm
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