EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: A KEY RELATIONSHIP FOR UKRAINE IN THE POST-CONFLICT PERIOD

Abstract

Education is an essential factor for sustainable economic growth and development. There is widespread agreement that regions and countries that are better endowed in terms of human capital tend to grow more and be more resilient. This paper aims to analyse the pivotal role that education will play in the growth and development of Ukraine in the post-conflict period. The accumulated learning losses caused by the pandemic have been greatly exacerbated by the current conflict, with persistent effects on learning. Following Ukraine's application for membership in the European Union, a reflection is required on the level of education in the country and the need to converge with European averages once the conflict is over. The methodology used is the analysis of the main education indicators used by the World Bank, OECD, and the European Union, as well as the latest PISA Report, to assess the relationship between quality in education and economic growth. The comparison of statistical data with the European Union shows the shortcomings of an education system that will have to be strengthened. The statistical data underline the idea that enhancing the quality of education will be critical for Ukraine's near future.