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University choice, research quality and graduates' employability: Evidence from Italian national survey data

Author

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  • Daria Ciriaci

    (European Commission)

  • Alessandro Muscio

    (University of Foggia)

Abstract

Universities have come under increasing pressure to become key drivers of economic development in the age of the knowledge economy. Yet we know very little about the impact of university quality and scientific excellence on the probability of graduates finding jobs. This paper investigates the determinants of Italian graduates’ employability 3-years after graduation, with special reference to university quality measured in terms of research performance and teaching quality. The empirical evidence sheds light on the pivotal role of academic institutions in economic systems, proving that their contribution to employment growth could be substantial. Our analysis supports the promotion of policy initiatives to improve the quality of academic institutions, and the accountability of research results. As we also observe wide regional differences, we argue that university quality emerges as a supply tool for policy makers aiming at boosting young and skilled labour demand in less developed regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Daria Ciriaci & Alessandro Muscio, 2011. "University choice, research quality and graduates' employability: Evidence from Italian national survey data," Working Papers 48, AlmaLaurea Inter-University Consortium.
    • Handle: RePEc:laa:wpaper:48
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Claudio Ceccarelli & Stefano De Santis & Francesca Petrarca, 2018. "The work path of Italian graduates using integration among different sources," RIEDS - Rivista Italiana di Economia, Demografia e Statistica - The Italian Journal of Economic, Demographic and Statistical Studies, SIEDS Societa' Italiana di Economia Demografia e Statistica, vol. 72(4), pages 89-100, October-D.
    2. Norman Rudhumbu & Avinash Tirumalai & Babli Kumari, 2017. "Factors that Influence Undergraduate Students¡¯ Choice of a University: A Case of Botho University in Botswana," International Journal of Learning and Development, Macrothink Institute, vol. 7(2), pages 27-37, June.

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