New Approaches to Analysing Global Inequalities in Human Capital Formation

Natalia Milovantseva, Associate Professor at the School of World Economy, presented the report ‘Global Inequalities in Human Capital Formation: Provision of Pre-Primary Education Based on Data for 163 Countries’ at the international conference ‘Inequalities: Addressing the Growing Challenge for Policymakers Worldwide,’ held at the London School of Economics. The event was organized by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.

Natalia Milovantseva introduced a new database of quantitative data developed together with researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles. This data comprises encoded standardized reports submitted by UN countries as well as education legislation from 163 countries. Digital coding of voluminous documents makes it possible to carry out comparative analysis and to apply quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of different countries' approach to solving social and economic problems in a global context. In particular, Milovantseva’s research on the impact of preschool education on future academic success illustrated opportunities for using new data in econometric analyses.

Placing preschool education on the global agenda highlights the central role it plays in human capital formation – where sustainable growth is vital to both economic growth and employment. The provision of quality preschool education for all children by 2030 is one of the 17 sustainable development goals set by the international community on completion of the Millennium Declaration steps in 2015. The quantitative data presented at the conference can be used to monitor progress in achieving these goals. The study was conducted with the support of the World Health Organization and UNESCO.