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Academic Human Capital in European Countries and Regions, 1200–1793

Author

Listed:
  • Curtis, Matthew
  • De La Croix, David
  • Manfredini, Filippo
  • Vitale, Mara

Abstract

We present new annual time-series data on academic human capital across Europe from 1200 to 1793, constructed by aggregating individual-level measures at three geographic scales: cities, present-day countries (as of 2025), and historically informed macro-regions. Individual human capital is derived from a composite index of publication outcomes, based on data from the Repertorium Eruditorum Totius Europae (RETE) database. The macro-regional classifications are designed to reflect historically coherent entities, offering a more relevant perspective than modern national boundaries. This framework allows us to document key patterns, including the Little Divergence in academic human capital between Northern and Southern Europe, the effect of the Black Death and the Thirty Years' War on academic human capital, the respective contributions of academies and universities, regional inequality across Catholic and Protestant areas of the Holy Roman Empire, and the distinctiveness of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Suggested Citation

  • Curtis, Matthew & De La Croix, David & Manfredini, Filippo & Vitale, Mara, 2026. "Academic Human Capital in European Countries and Regions, 1200–1793," CEPR Discussion Papers 21158, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21158
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP21158
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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