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1. Understanding the Regional Contribution of Higher Education Institutions: A Literature Review. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 9

Author

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Arbo, Peter, and Benneworth, Paul

Abstract

The contribution of higher education institutions to regional development is a theme that has attracted growing attention in recent years. Knowledge institutions are increasingly expected not only to conduct education and research, but also to play an active role in the economic, social and cultural development of their regions. The extent to which higher education institutions are able to play this role depends on a number of circumstances: the characteristics of the institutions, the regions in which they are located and the policy frameworks are all significant. At the same time, there are signs of more fundamental conceptual and strategic confusion. The discussions in this domain are frequently characterised by slogans and popular metaphors. This literature review was prepared to support the OECD project entitled 'Supporting the Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Regional Development', which was conducted by the OECD Programme on Institutional Management in Higher Education (IMHE) in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Governance and Territorial Development. Drawing mainly from a selection of European and North American publications, the report takes an overall view on the development of higher education institutions in the regional context. It focuses on the evolution and discourses of higher education and research, the regional aspects of higher education policies, the various functions and roles that the institutions play, measures taken to link the universities with their regional partners, and the conditions which favour or hamper stronger regional engagement. (A bibliography is included. Contains 9 figures.)

Published
2007
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2. Measuring User-Created Content: Implications for the ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals Surveys. OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 139

Author

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and van Beuzekom, Brigitte

Abstract

This paper reviews recent measurement work on User-Created Content (UCC) undertaken in OECD countries. It shows that UCC is emerging as a significant area of economic and social activity worthy of consideration for official measurement and discusses the implications for the OECD Model Survey on ICT Access and Use by Households and Individuals. (Study summary and questionnaires are annexed. Contains 10 footnotes, 6 figures and 1 table.)

Published
2008
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3. Education and New Developments 2017

Author

Carmo, Mafalda

Abstract

This book contains a compilation of papers presented at the International Conference on Education and New Developments (END 2017), organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (W.I.A.R.S.). Education, in our contemporary world, is a right since we are born. Every experience has a formative effect on the constitution of the human being, in the way one thinks, feels and acts. One of the most important contributions resides in what and how we learn through the improvement of educational processes, both in formal and informal settings. The International Conference seeks to provide some answers and explore the processes, actions, challenges and outcomes of learning, teaching and human development. The goal is to offer a worldwide connection between teachers, students, researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, interested in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues. We take pride in having been able to connect and bring together academics, scholars, practitioners and others interested in a field that is fertile in new perspectives, ideas and knowledge. We counted on an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, which can supplement our view of the human essence and behavior, showing the impact of their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. This is, certainly, one of the reasons we have many nationalities and cultures represented, inspiring multi-disciplinary collaborative links, fomenting intellectual encounter and development. END 2017 received 581 submissions, from 55 different countries, reviewed by a double-blind process. Submissions were prepared to take form of Oral Presentations, Posters, Virtual Presentations and Workshops. The conference accepted for presentation 176 submissions (30% acceptance rate). The conference also includes a keynote presentation from an internationally distinguished researcher, Professor Lizbeth Goodman, Chair of Creative Technology Innovation and Professor of Inclusive Design for Learning at University College Dublin; Founder/Director of SMARTlab, Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre of Ireland, Founder of The MAGIC Multimedia and Games Innovation Centre, Ireland, to whom we express our most gratitude. This conference addressed different categories inside the Education area and papers are expected to fit broadly into one of the named themes and sub-themes. To develop the conference program we have chosen four main broad-ranging categories, which also covers different interest areas: (1) In TEACHERS AND STUDENTS: Teachers and Staff training and education; Educational quality and standards; Curriculum and Pedagogy; Vocational education and Counseling; Ubiquitous and lifelong learning; Training programs and professional guidance; Teaching and learning relationship; Student affairs (learning, experiences and diversity; Extra-curricular activities; Assessment and measurements in Education. (2) In PROJECTS AND TRENDS: Pedagogic innovations; Challenges and transformations in Education; Technology in teaching and learning; Distance Education and eLearning; Global and sustainable developments for Education; New learning and teaching models; Multicultural and (inter)cultural communications; Inclusive and Special Education; Rural and indigenous Education; Educational projects. (3) In TEACHING AND LEARNING: Educational foundations; Research and development methodologies; Early childhood and Primary Education; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Science and technology Education; Literacy, languages and Linguistics (TESL/TEFL); Health Education; Religious Education; Sports Education. (4) In ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES: Educational policy and leadership; Human Resources development; Educational environment; Business, Administration, and Management in Education; Economics in Education; Institutional accreditations and rankings; International Education and Exchange programs; Equity, social justice and social change; Ethics and values; Organizational learning and change, Corporate Education. This book contains the results of the research and developments conducted by authors who focused on what they are passionate about: to promote growth in research methods intimately related to teaching, learning and applications in Education nowadays. It includes an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, who will extend our view in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues, by sharing with us their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. We would like to express thanks to all the authors and participants, the members of the academic scientific committee, and of course, to our organizing and administration team for making and putting this conference together. [This document contains the proceedings of END 2017: International Conference on Education and New Developments (Lisbon, Portugal, June 24-26, 2017).]

Published
2017

4. Integrating Lifelong Learning Perspectives.

Author

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Hamburg (Germany). Inst. for Education. and Medel-Anonuevo, Carolyn

Abstract

This publication is comprised of 43 papers on the topic of promoting lifelong learning. The papers in Part 1, Overcoming False Dichotomies, are "Lifelong Learning in the North, Education for All in the South" (Torres); "Practice of Lifelong Learning in Indigenous Africa" (Omolewa); "Gender and Information Societies" (Youngs); and "Lifelong Learning for a Modern Learning Society" (Somtrakool). Part 2, Scanning Developments in the Regions, consists of these papers: "Challenges of Lifelong Learning in Africa" (Tapsoba); "Promoting Community-Based Learning Centers in Asia-Pacific" (Oyasu); "European Union (EU) Memorandum on Lifelong Learning" (Smith); "Hungarian Response to the EU Memorandum on Lifelong Learning" (Istvan); "Regional Framework for Action for Adult and Youth Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (2001-10)" (Jauregui de Gainza); and "Lifelong Learning" (Essefi). Part 3, Promoting Democratization, contains these papers: "Learning in a Global Society" (Alexander); "Citizenship and Democracy in Socrates' and Grundtvig's Europe" (Ronai); "Education for Non-Discrimination" (Millan); "Lifelong Learning and Work in Developing Countries" (Pieck); "Globalization, Lifelong Learning, and Response of the Universities" (Peng); and "Combining the World of Work with the World of Education" (Romijn). The papers in Part 5, Making Lifelong Learning Work for Women, are "Gender Equality in Basic Education" (Messina); "Women as Lifelong Learners" (Benaicha); and "Lifelong Learning for Elimination of Violence Against Women" (Kuninobu). The papers in Part 6, Learning Across Generations, are "Achieving Youth Empowerment Through Peer Education" (Wissa); and "Role of Intergenerational Programs in Promoting Lifelong Learning for All Ages" (Ohsako). The papers in Part 7, Learning Across Cultures, are "Cultural Contexts of Learning: East Meets West" (Yang); "Building Community Through Study Circles" (Oliver); "Culturally-Based Adult Education" (Smith); and "Perspective of Lifelong Learning in South Asia" (Bordia). In Part 8, Laying Foundations and Sustaining Achievements Through Literacy and Nonformal Education, are "Literacy Linked Women Development Programs" (Usha); "Lifelong Learning Policy and Practices in the Laos People's Democratic Republic" (Mithong Souvanvixay); "Distance Learning and Adult Education" (Wilson, White); "Role of Partnerships in the Promotion of Lifelong Learning" (Lin); and "Toward the Eradication of Illiteracy Among Youth and Adults in China" (Guodong). Part 9, Creating Environments Conducive to Lifelong Learning, has these papers: "Learning Cities/Region in the Framework of Lifelong Learning" (Doukas); "Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in Sweden" (Salin); "Promoting Lifelong Learning in Beijing for a Learning Society" (Shuping); and "Reorienting Teachers as Lifelong Learners" (Tiedao). (YLB)

Published
2002

5. Education's Role in Preparing Globally Competent Citizens. BCES Conference Books, Volume 12

Author

Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Ermenc, Klara Skubic, Hilton, Gillian,, Ogunleye, James, Chigisheva, Oksana, Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Ermenc, Klara Skubic, Hilton, Gillian,, Ogunleye, James, Chigisheva, Oksana, and Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES)

Abstract

This volume contains papers submitted to the 12th Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), held in Sofia and Nessebar, Bulgaria, in June 2014, and papers submitted to the 2nd International Partner Conference, organized by the International Research Centre 'Scientific Cooperation,' Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The volume also includes papers submitted to the International Symposium on Comparative Sciences, organized by the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society in Sofia, in October 2013. The 12th BCES Conference theme is "Education's Role in Preparing Globally Competent Citizens." The 2nd Partner Conference theme is "Contemporary Science and Education: New Challenges -- New Decisions." The book consists of 103 papers, written by 167 authors and co-authors, and grouped into 7 parts. Parts 1-4 comprise papers submitted to the 12th BCES Conference, and Parts 5-7 comprise papers submitted to the 2nd Partner Conference. The 103 papers are divided into the following parts: (1) Comparative Education & History of Education; (2) Pre-service and In-service Teacher Training & Learning and Teaching Styles; (3) Education Policy, Reforms and School Leadership; (4) Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion; (5) Educational Development Strategies in Different Countries and Regions of the World: National, Regional and Global Levels; (6) Key Directions and Characteristics of Research Organization in Contemporary World; and (7) International Scientific and Educational Cooperation for the Solution of Contemporary Global Issues: From Global Competition to World Integration.

Published
2014

6. Technical Education in Nigeria: The Way Forward. Summary of Proceedings of the Workshop on Technical Education: A Foundation for a Healthy Economy (Ota, Ogun State of Nigeria, March 1-2, 1994).

Author

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France). and Ministry of Education and Youth Development, Lagos (Nigeria).

Abstract

This summary of proceedings includes papers from and about a workshop on technical education in Nigeria and the lessons Nigeria may gain by examining the vocational and technical education systems of Germany, the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. The following papers are included: "Foreword" (Iyorchia Ayu); "Introduction: A Time for Action in Technical Education"; "Why We Sponsored the Workshop" (Klaus Bauer); "Importance of Technical Education" (Iyorchia Ayu); "Technology for Industrial Advancement" (Daniel O. Akintonde); "Technical Education in Nigeria" (P. E. O. Towe mni); "Contribution by the Representative of the National Association of Technological Engineers" (Abimbola Daniyan); "Excerpts from Paper Submitted to the Workshop by the National Association of Technological Engineers: Alternative Proposal for the Three Existing Parallel Routes"; "German Vocational Training in the Dual System" (Richard von Bardeleben); "Content and Process of the Dual System" (representative of the German company FESTO); "Contribution of Industrial Training Fund (ITF)" (Alhaji Usman Mohammed); "International Spread of the Dual System"; "Vocational and Technical Education in USA, Great Britain, and Japan: Lessons for Nigeria" (S. O. Olaitan); "UNESCO's Contributions to the Development of Technical and Vocational System: The UNEVOC Project (International Project on Technical and Vocational Education)" (Hans Kronner); "Implementation of Manpower Training Programme in Private Industries" (E. O. Ugwu); "Implementation of Manpower Training Programme in Governmental Organizations (An Example of Dornier Training Support to the Nigerian Navy)" (M. O. Bakare); "Implementation of Manpower Training Programme by Governmental Organisations"; and "Technical Education--The Way Forward." Concluding the proceedings are a summary of workshop observations and recommendations and lists of workshop participants and official reporters. (MN)

Published
1994

7. The Crisis of the Publics: An International Comparative Discussion on Higher Education Reforms and Possible Implications for US Public Universities

Author

University of California, Berkeley, Center for Studies in Higher Education, King, Judson C., Douglass, John Aubrey, and Feller, Irwin

Abstract

To frame the larger research agenda requires an intimate blending of knowledge of the situations of foreign research universities and those of public research universities in the United States. The first step was to bring together for a two-day symposium a group of scholars and practitioners, some with deep and varied knowledge of United States public research universities and others with specific knowledge of the university systems and recent changes in pertinent foreign countries. The purpose of the symposium was to share comparative information and analysis, to discuss major issues facing national and supranational systems of higher education and the role of research universities, and to identify the most promising avenues for further investigation. The symposium was focused on a group consisting largely of economically developed countries and regions that are important exemplars or locales for consideration of reform or alternative systems from those of the U. S. Considerations were structured around four major policy areas, including: (1) Fees and Finance; (2) Access, Quality and Accountability; (3) Science and Technology; and (4) Organization and Governance. Participants (a list of whom is in Appendix 1) provided working papers on assigned topics related to one or more of the four policy areas, or were asked to comment on the papers and the short presentations. This narrative provides a summary of the symposium proceedings, attempting to capture the gist of what was a varied and thought-provoking set of presentations and discussions. Presentations include the following: (1) Introduction (Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and C. Judson King); (2) OECD Perspective on Major International Issues Affecting Public Higher Education (Chaired by David Breneman and participated by Stephan Vincent-Lancrin); (3) Environmental Scan of U.S. Public Higher Education--Issues and Trends (Chaired by Ahmed Bawa and participated by Irwin Feller and Robert Berdahl); (4) Environmental Scan of Higher Education in Europe--Approaches and Trends (Chaired by John Aubrey Douglass Marijk van der Wende and participated by Michael Shattock, Wilhelm Krull, and Daniel Fallon); (5) Environmental Scan of Higher Education in the Pacific Region--Approaches and Trends (Chaired by Otto C. C. Lin and participated by Philip Altbach, Wan-Hua Ma, and Rory Hume); (6) Comparative Approaches to Financing of Public Higher Education (Chaired by Sheldon Rothblatt and participated by David Palfreyman, Katharine Lyall, and David Breneman); (7) Comparative Approaches to Access and Marketing: Undergraduate Education and Degree Production (Chaired by Steven Brint and participated by John Aubrey Douglass, Kerstin Eliasson, and Grant Harman); (8) Science and Technology Initiatives and Strategies for Economic Development (Chaired by Irwin Feller and participated by Otto C. C. Lin, Henry Etzkowitz, Taizo Yakushiji, and John Zysman); (9) Comparative Approaches to Governance and Management of Higher Education Systems (Chaired by Katharine Lyall and participated by Christine Musselin, Jeroen Huisman, and C. Judson King); and (10) Reflection on Discussion and Targets for Further Research (Delivered by Robert Berdahl, Taizo Yakushiji, Daniel Fallon and John Zysman). Appendices include: (1) List of Symposium Participants; and (2) References and Resources. (Lists 4 resources.)

Published
2007

8. The International Conference on Human Resources Development Strategies in the Knowledge-Based Society [Proceedings] (Seoul, South Korea, August 29, 2001).

Author

Korea Research Inst. for Vocational Education and Training, Seoul.

Abstract

This document contains the following seven papers, all in both English and Korean, from a conference on human resources development and school-to-work transitions in the knowledge-based society: "The U.S. Experience as a Knowledge-based Economy in Transition and Its Impact on Industrial and Employment Structures" (Eric Im); "Changes in the Industrial Structure and Employment Patterns in a Knowledge-Based Society in Japan" (Shigemi Yahata); "Human Resource Development Strategies for the Knowledge Economy" (Nigel Haworth); "Strategies and Direction of Human Resources Development in Knowledge-based Economic System: Experience in the UK" (Peter Upton); "Methods of Strengthening Effective Transition from School to Labour Market" (Bent Paulsen); and "Methods of Strengthening Effective Transition from School to the Labour Market in Australia" (Chris Robinson). Each of the papers includes an abstract; some contain lists of references. (KC)

Published
2001

9. Intergenerational Programmes: Public Policy and Research Implications--An International Perspective.

Author

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Hamburg (Germany). Inst. for Education., Hatton-Yeo, Alan, Ohsako, Toshio, Hatton-Yeo, Alan, Ohsako, Toshio, and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Hamburg (Germany). Inst. for Education.

Abstract

This document consists of 12 papers that, together, summarize the key issues underpinning future research and policy development related to intergenerational programs (IPs). "Introduction" (Alan Hatton-Yeo) discusses the project out of which the papers developed. "A General Assessment of IP Initiatives in the Countries Involved" (Ann-Kristin Bostrum, Alan Hatton-Yeo, Toshio Oshako, Yukiko Sawano) considers the historical and cultural roots of IPs, the role of IPs as instruments for solving priority social problems in given countries, the status of IPs, the training of IP professionals, and future needs and assessment of IPs. "Public Policy and Research Recommendations: An International Perspective" (Alan Hatton-Yeo, Jumbo Klerq, Toshio Oshako, Sally Newman) presents general recommendations, recommendations concerning four specific impact areas of IPs in public policy (economy and employment, society, lifelong learning, health), and recommendations concerning IP development and implementation strategies. The remaining papers, which focus on the past, present, and future of IPs in specific countries, are as follows: "China" (Sun Maintao); "Cuba" (Raul Hernandez Castellon); "Germany" (Ludger Veelken); "Japan" (Yukiko Sawano); "The Netherlands" (Jumbo Klerq); "Palestine" (Nora Kort); "South Africa" (Cathy Gush); "Sweden" (Ann-Kristin Bostrum); "The United Kingdom" (Alan Hatton-Yeo); and "The United States" (Sally Newman). The bibliography contains 47 references. (MN)

Published
2000

10. Provision of Effectiveness of University Education on the Market Economy

Author

Kuznetsov, Nikolai, Usenko, Lyudmila, Ivanova, Olga, and Kostoglodova, Elena

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of university education on the economy of various countries. Design/methodology/approach: To determine the necessity and expedience of making provision for the effectiveness of university education on the market economy, this work uses the method of regression and correlation analysis. Evaluation of effectiveness of the system of university education is performed separately for students, state, and employers by taking as example countries with specially developed formulas. Findings: The authors substantiate the necessity for provision of effectiveness of university education on the market economy, view the effective system of university education as a basis for the development of a knowledge economy, determine approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of university education on the market economy, perform evaluation of effectiveness of the system of university education by the example of various countries, determine its connection with indicators of economic growth and development, and provide recommendations for provision of effectiveness of the system of university education on modern market economies. Practical implications: The practical value of results of the conducted research consists in the possibility to use the developed formulas for determining the level of effectiveness of the system of university education on various countries of the world. Originality/value: Theoretical value of this paper consists in the possibility for the application of authors' conclusions and recommendations in the process of development of the policy of management of effectiveness of university education system.

Published
2017
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11. Refueling the U.S. Innovation Economy: Fresh Approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Author

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Atkinson, Robert D., and Mayo, Merrilea

Abstract

Is the United States getting it wrong when it comes to educating tomorrow's innovators in critical fields? It has been known for years that the only way to compete globally in information technology, engineering, nanotechnology, robotics and other fields is to give students the best educational opportunities possible. But do individuals have a successful formula when it comes to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education? In this report, the authors challenge the nation's approach to STEM education and argue that reforms are urgently needed to better match the talents of students, the needs of employers, and its goals. (Contains 19 tables, 42 figures, and 623 endnotes.) [Funding for this paper was provided by the Intel Corporation. For "Refueling the U.S. Innovation Economy: Fresh Approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Executive Summary," see ED521736.]

Published
2010

13. Technicians, Technical Education, and Global Economic Development: A Cross National Examination.

Author

Honig, Benson and Ramirez, Francisco

Abstract

Although the relationship among education, science, technology, and economic development is nearly universally accepted, the link among education, infrastructure, and economic growth has yet to be empirically demonstrated. A multivariate analysis of cross-national data regarding 48 countries was performed to document relationships between technical education and economic development. A multivariate time series regression model was used to analyze national enrollment in secondary and tertiary education and labor force participation statistics from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization annual yearbook and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicators to determine the relationship between technical education and economic development as measured by gross domestic product per capita growth rates. Although it was acknowledged that accounting for economic growth of a nation/state requires consideration of factors beyond the study's scope (including natural resources, geographic location, and political climate/stability), it was concluded that the analysis clearly demonstrated the importance of postsecondary technical education, specifically at the two-year college level, to economic development. Government educational policies in Korea, France, and Germany were cited as examples of how careful attention to technical engineering education at the two-year college level represents a coherent, effective mechanism for national economic development. (Contains 27 references.) (MN)

Published
1996

14. Britain's Training Deficit. The Centre for Economic Performance Report.

Author

Layard, Richard and Layard, Richard

Abstract

This book contains 12 papers that were produced as a result of a seminar program on selected issues central to the debate over job training in Great Britain. The first paper, "Why We Need a Training Reform Act" (Richard Layard, Ken Mayhew, Geoffrey Owen), examines existing deficiencies in vocational education and training in Britain and proposes a strategy for remedying them. Discussed in the following eight papers are the role of firms, individuals, and government in providing/improving vocational education and training: "The Welfare Economics of Training" (Richard Layard); "The Demand for Skilled Labour" (D. L. Bosworth, R. A. Wilson); "Training Quality and Trainee Exploitation" (Paul Ryan); "Labour Markets and Skill Utilization" (Alice Lam, David Marsden); "The Response of Individuals" (Joan Payne); "New Training Institutions at the Local Level" (Robert J. Bennett); "Training Policy for the Unemployed" (Richard Jackman, Marcus Rubin); and "The Economic Value of Education and Training" (Christopher Dougherty). The following papers examine lessons regarding vocational education and training from outside the United Kingdom: "A Comparison of National Institutions" (David Finegold, Colin Crouch); "The German Training System" (Peter B. Berg); and "Social Skills from Mass Higher Education: Lessons from the US" (David Soskice). Sixty tables/figures and a subject index are included. Most papers contain substantial bibliographies. (MN)

Published
1994

15. Challenges in Student Financing: State Financial Support to Students--A Worldwide Perspective

Author

Vossensteyn, Hans

Abstract

While higher education is regarded a high priority for economic development in many countries, public budgets often fall short to support desired levels of expansion in higher education. This leads to cost-sharing: students and their families are required to contribute more to the costs of higher education. This paper explores worldwide trends to cope with this issue based on the following questions: Is it fair to ask for larger contributions from students? What are the global patterns and forms of higher private shares in the costs of higher education? And what is the impact of cost-sharing on higher education access and equity? (Contains 4 tables and 2 footnotes.)

Published
2009
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16. Tuning In to Dropping Out

Author

Tabarrok, Alex

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, the total number of students in college has increased by about 50 percent. But the number of students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects has remained more or less constant. In 2009 the United States graduated 89,140 students in the visual and performing arts, more than in computer science, math, and chemical engineering combined and more than double the number of visual-and-performing-arts graduates in 1985. There is nothing wrong with the arts, psychology, and journalism, but graduates in these fields have lower wages and are less likely to find work in their fields than graduates in science and math. Moreover, more than half of all humanities graduates end up in jobs that don't require college degrees, and those graduates don't get a big income boost from having gone to college. Most important, graduates in the arts, psychology, and journalism are less likely to create the kinds of innovations that drive economic growth. Economic growth is not the only goal of higher education, but it is one of the main reasons taxpayers subsidize higher education through direct government college support, as well as loans, scholarships, and grants. The potential wage gains for college graduates is reason enough for students to pursue a college education. The obsessive focus on a college degree has served neither taxpayers nor students well. Only 35 percent of students starting a four-year degree program will graduate within four years, and less than 60 percent will graduate within six years. Students who haven't graduated within six years probably never will. The U.S. college dropout rate is about 40 percent, the highest college dropout rate in the industrialized world. That's a lot of wasted resources. Students with two years of college education may get something for those two years, but it's less than half of the wage gains from completing a four-year degree. No degree, few skills, and a lot of debt is not an ideal way to begin a career. A big part of the problem is that the United States has paved a single road to knowledge, the road through the classroom. Lots of students, however, crash before they reach the end of the road. Who can blame them? Sit-down learning is not for everyone, perhaps not even for most people. There are many roads to an education. Going to college is neither necessary nor sufficient to be well educated. Apprentices in Europe are well educated but not college schooled. The author contends the need to open more roads to education so that more students can reach their desired destination.

Published
2012

17. Do Public Information and Subsidies Contribute to the Entrepreneurial Environment? An Exploratory Transatlantic Study with Local-Global Perspectives

Author

Grimm, Heike

Subjects
POLITICAL planning, ECONOMIC development, ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Abstract

Variations in the economic performance of nations and regions due to an ongoing globalization and economic liberalization have fuelled debates about the role of public policies in economic growth. This article contributes to the empirical debate on the role of public policies in stimulating start-ups and regional economic growth by looking at public information, public counseling services, and public start-up assistance programs for entrepreneurs in the United States and Germany. The goal of the qualitative cross-national study is to evaluate potentials of public support for entrepreneurs in a global environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2006
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