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Human Capital Spending, Inequality, and Growth in Middle-Income Asia

Author

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  • Abrigo, Michael R.M.

    (Philippine Institute for Development Studies)

  • Lee, Sang-Hyop

    (University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  • Park , Donghyun

    (Asian Development Bank)

Abstract

Asia’s rapid population aging fortifies the case for strengthening human capital investments. Further, the experience of the newly industrialized economies suggests that human capital investments will be a vital ingredient of the transition from middle income to high income. Those investments can also affect equity and public finances. In this paper, we use data from the National Transfer Accounts to empirically analyze the effect of human capital investment in Asian countries on economic growth, inequality, and fiscal balance. Our empirical evidence suggests that human capital investments have a positive effect on labor productivity and, hence, output. The positive effect is stronger for poorer households and, hence, beneficial for equity. We also find that such investments can generate sufficient tax revenues to improve the fiscal balance. Overall, our evidence points to a positive effect of human capital on growth, equity, and fiscal balance in Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Abrigo, Michael R.M. & Lee, Sang-Hyop & Park , Donghyun, 2017. "Human Capital Spending, Inequality, and Growth in Middle-Income Asia," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 529, Asian Development Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbewp:0529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    14. Khambai Khamjalas, 2024. "Exploring the Spatial Dynamics of FEW Nexus Policies and Their Impact on Income Inequality Using Spatial Econometric Models: Evidence from Southeast Asian Countries," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 14(2), pages 152-167, March.
    15. Durongkaveroj, Wannaphong, 2022. "Structural Transformation, Income Inequality and Government Expenditure: Evidence from International Panel Data," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 56(3), pages 29-44.
    16. Law, Siong Hook & Naseem, N.A.M. & Lau, Wei Theng & Trinugroho, Irwan, 2020. "Can innovation improve income inequality? Evidence from panel data," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 44(4).
    17. Li, Xitong & He, Peiming & Liao, Honglin & Liu, Jindan & Chen, Litai, 2024. "Does network infrastructure construction reduce urban–rural income inequality? Based on the “Broadband China” policy," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    18. Bucheli, Marisa & González, Cecilia, 2024. "Investment in human capital by socioeconomic status in Uruguay," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 27(C).
    19. Takahiro Akita, 2024. "Educational Expansion and Educational Inequality," Working Papers EMS_2024_02, Research Institute, International University of Japan.
    20. Koh, Sharon G. M. & Lee, Grace H. Y. & Siah, Audrey K. L., 2022. "The Resurgence of Income Inequality in Asia-Pacific: The Role of Trade Openness, Educational Attainment and Institutional Quality," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 56(3), pages 11-27.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asia; fiscal balance; growth; human capital; inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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