How can education policies promote economic growth in low-income countries?

2 Social capital

Another way that education policies can promote economic growth is by strengthening the social capital of the population, that is, the networks, norms, and trust that facilitate cooperation and coordination among individuals and groups. Social capital can foster social cohesion, civic participation, and institutional quality, which are essential for a stable and inclusive society. Education policies that aim to increase social capital can focus on promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering civic values and skills, and supporting community engagement and empowerment.

3 Gender equality

A third way that education policies can promote economic growth is by advancing gender equality, that is, the equal rights, opportunities, and outcomes for women and men. Gender equality can boost economic growth by increasing female labor force participation, productivity, and entrepreneurship, as well as improving health, education, and well-being outcomes for women and their families. Education policies that aim to advance gender equality can focus on reducing gender gaps and barriers in access, retention, and achievement, addressing gender stereotypes and biases in curricula and pedagogy, and enhancing female leadership and representation.

4 Innovation and entrepreneurship

A fourth way that education policies can promote economic growth is by stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, that is, the creation and application of new ideas, products, and services that generate value and solve problems. Innovation and entrepreneurship can enhance economic growth by increasing productivity, competitiveness, and diversification, as well as fostering resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances. Education policies that aim to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship can focus on developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, supporting research and development activities and collaborations, and creating an enabling environment and incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship.

5 Environmental sustainability

A fifth way that education policies can promote economic growth is by supporting environmental sustainability, that is, the protection and management of natural resources and ecosystems that support human well-being and development. Environmental sustainability can enhance economic growth by reducing environmental risks and costs, such as pollution, climate change, and natural disasters, as well as by creating new opportunities and markets for green and circular economy activities. Education policies that aim to support environmental sustainability can focus on raising awareness and knowledge of environmental issues and solutions, developing skills and competencies for green jobs and careers, and encouraging environmental behaviors and actions.

6 Trade-offs and challenges

While education policies can promote economic growth in low-income countries in many ways, they also face trade-offs and challenges that need to be considered and addressed. For example, expanding access and enrollment may come at the expense of quality and relevance, promoting diversity and inclusion may conflict with cultural and religious norms and values, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship may require significant investments and reforms, and supporting environmental sustainability may entail difficult choices and trade-offs between development and conservation. Therefore, education policies need to be context-specific, evidence-based, and participatory, and balance the short-term and long-term costs and benefits of different options and strategies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?