Human capital and economic growth in Spain, 1850–2000

Abstract

We investigate human capital accumulation in Spain using alternative approaches based on the concept of 'labor quality' and on the idea of education. We, then, assess the effect of human capital accumulation on labor productivity growth and discuss the implications of the different measures for TFP growth. While long-run trends in human capital are similar with either measure, the skill premium approach fits better Spanish historical experience. Human capital provided a positive albeit small contribution to labor productivity growth facilitating technological innovation. Broad capital accumulation and efficiency gains appear complementary in Spain's long-term growth. Keywords AbstractWe investigate human capital accumulation in Spain using alternative approaches based on the concept of 'labor quality' and on the idea of education. We, then, assess the effect of human capital accumulation on labor productivity growth and discuss the implications of the different measures for TFP growth. While longrun trends in human capital are similar with either measure, the skill premium approach fits better Spanish historical experience. Human capital provided a positive albeit small contribution to labor productivity growth facilitating technological innovation. Broad capital accumulation and efficiency gains appear complementary in Spain's long-term growth.

Human capital channels and productivity growth: Evidence from Nigeria

“…doi:10.14254/2071-789X.2019/12-4 during recruitment (Spencer, 1973). In recent times, education has been acknowledged as one of the major channels to increase productivity of human capital (Escosura, & Roses, 2010;Lee & Lee, 2016). Consequently, a strand of literature has recognized the importance of human capital for economic productivity (Trostel et al, 2002;Vandenbussche, Aghion & Meghir, 2006;Dias & Tebaldi, 2012.…”

The Development of the Cooperative Movement and Civil Society in Almeria, Spain: Something from Nothing?

“…An intense destruction of human capital occurred as a result of this political exile and post-war political repression [61,62]. Cazorla-Sánchez noted that, "Francoism created an affordable, disciplined workforce which was achieved by the killing of union leaders, by the destruction of genuine, representative organizations and by instilling fear and pessimism in the general population" [57] (p. 15).…”

Economic reforms and growth in Franco's Spain,

“…Such a difference is more striking given that the destruction of lives and physical capital, as a consequence of the Spanish Civil War, was lower than in most of Western European countries involved in the World War II3. However, an intense destruction of human capital occurred as a result of political exile and post-war political repression (see López García 1991; Prados de la Escosura 2007; Prados de la Escosura and Rosés 2010b). The situation began to change in the 1950s when, in per capita terms, the Spanish economy grew at a similar rate to the Western European average, but with the significant difference that Spain started from a substantially lower level4.…”