MAPPING HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS ACROSS THE EUROPEAN UNION 2014–2020 CYCLE
MAPPING HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS ACROSS THE EUROPEAN UNION 2014–2020 CYCLE

Summary/Abstract: Three of the main objectives of the Cohesion Policy for the 2014-2020 programming cycle were related to employment, social inclusion and training. Human capital is recognized as a critical driver of both social and economic cohesion across regions, and has therefore been a central focus in terms of both research and funding allocation. This paper analyzes the outcomes reported by EU Member States by the end of 2022, with the aim of conducting a comparative analysis across countries. The attempt was to first determine clusters depending on Member States profile, so that the comparison be reasonable both in terms of resources but also in terms of needs, and then identify performers in each group regarding the implementation of programs directed to the development of human capital. Four clusters were identified taking into consideration three relevant indicators in terms of cohesion: population, GDP per capita, and persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion - rural areas. For the comparison, four human capital indicators were considered, employment, unemployment, educational attainment, and rural residence, by analyzing achievements reported for the 2014–2020 period (the last finished cycle) against the baseline needs identified during the implementation period.

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