Human Capital: How what you know shapes your life (OECD Insights)

This first book in the new OECD Insights Series examines the increasing economic and social importance of human capital - our education, skills, competencies, and knowledge. As economies in developed countries shift away from manufacturing, economic success for individuals and national economies is increasingly reliant on the quality of human capital. Raising human capital has emerged as a key policy priority, particularly for low-skilled individuals, who are at risk of being left even further behind. Policy in this area is focusing on early childhood development, improving quality and choice in schooling, creating excellence in tertiary education, and widening access to adult learning. Drawing on the research and analysis of the OECD, this dynamic new book uses straightforward language to explain how countries across the OECD area are responding to the challenge of raising their levels of human capital. This book includes Statlinks, URLs linking statistical tables and graphs in the text of the book to Excel spreadsheets showing the underlying data. This publication examines the increasing economic and social importance of human capital - our education, skills, competencies, and knowledge. As economies in developed countries shift away from manufacturing, economic success for individuals and national economies is increasingly reliant on the quality of human capital. Raising human capital has emerged as a key policy priority, particularly for low-skilled individuals, who are at risk of being left even further behind. Policy in this area is focusing on early childhood development, improving quality and choice in schooling, creating excellence in tertiary education, and widening access to adult learning. Drawing on the research and analysis of the OECD, this book explains how countries across the OECD area are responding to the challenge of raising their levels of human capital. This book includes Statlinks, URLs linking statistical tables and graphs in the text of the book to Excel spreadsheets showing the underlying data.--Publisher's description This concise, accessible volume defines the concept of human capital for a nonspecialist audience. The book convincingly demonstrates that investment in education and healthcare has real, measurable payoffs for both individuals and societies. Brian Keeley looks at some of the key issues in education and lifelong learning today and analyzes their importance in terms of major social and economic trends. The author explores what can be done to even out inequalities in education and to ensure that everyone at every stage of their lives is able to pursue the learning that would benefit them most. Based on research and analysis from the OECD's 30 member countries, Human Capital is supported with reliable statistics, charts, and graphs. It is an ideal supplement for introductory courses in education, economics, and public policy. What is the impact of education and learning on our societies and economies? What can be done to even out inequalities in education? And how can we ensure that everyone at every stage of their life is able to pursue the learning that benefits them most and fully develops their human capital?. This book harnesses the unique resources of the OECD to answer some of these crucial questions. Based on research and analysis from the OECD's 30 member countries, it explains the increasing importance of human capital to individuals and societies as they cope with social and economic change. It also look This Book Explores The Impact Of Education And Learning On Our Societies And Lives And Examines What Countries Are Doing To Provide Education And Training To Support People Throughout Their Lives.