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IMF Podcasts

Eric Hanushek on the Basic Skills Gap

Aug 18, 2022
Eric Hanushek, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into the critical role of education in economic growth. He reveals that skill disparities account for three-quarters of differences in long-term growth between countries. With a staggering two-thirds of youth lacking basic skills, he emphasizes the urgent need for improvement. Hanushek also discusses how achieving universal basic skills could potentially boost global GDP by $700 trillion by the century's end, shedding light on the pandemic's detrimental impact on education and the challenges faced by developing nations.
21:14

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Quick takeaways

  • Equitable education is crucial for economic growth, as skill disparities account for three-quarters of global growth variations.
  • Addressing the global skills gap could elevate future world GDP by $700 trillion, underscoring the need for prioritized educational improvements.

Deep dives

The Correlation Between Skills and Economic Growth

The skills of a nation's population significantly influence its economic growth and development. Research indicates that approximately three-quarters of the variation in growth rates globally can be attributed to test performance among the population. This suggests that the mastery of basic skills, particularly as measured by standardized assessments, is a crucial determinant of a country's long-term economic trajectory. Without the necessary competencies to engage in a modern economy, nations risk stagnation and potential decline.

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