Quality or Quantity?: The Role of Human Capital on Sustainable Growth

Abstract

This study examines the link between human capital and sustainable economic growth, highlighting the contradiction of rising university education without improved graduate employability in Turkiye from 2014 to 2023. It notes high unemployment among university graduates, indicating a disconnect between the skills provided by educational institutions and job market demands. The rapid growth in universities and graduates has not matched the increase in high-skilled job opportunities, leading to skill mismatches and underemployment, especially during economic downturns. The paper calls for a reassessment of educational strategies towards a quality-focused education that prioritizes practical skills and market needs, emphasizing university-industry collaborations to boost graduate employability and ensure higher education's role in fostering economic resilience and growth.