Human Capital and Export Performance in East Asia: Focusing on Gender Inequality

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of gender-disaggregated human capital on export performance in 11 East Asian countries, utilizing panel data spanning 1990–2022. Human capital is measured by the Human Development Index, expected years of schooling, and mean years of schooling, and export performance is captured by both the share of medium- and high-tech exports and total exports as a percentage of GDP. Employing panel regression and error correction models, the analysis distinguishes between short- and long-term effects. The results indicate that male human capital currently exerts a stronger influence on export performance, reflecting prevailing industrial structures and patterns of labour force participation. However, the contribution of female human capital—particularly expected years of schooling—has increased over time. The findings further demonstrate that human capital accumulation has a limited short-term but substantial long-term effect on export performance. Moreover, reducing gender inequality, as measured by the gender development index and gender inequality index, is positively associated with export outcomes. These results underscore the importance of gender-sensitive human capital investment and policies that promote educational attainment and labour market inclusion for sustained export growth.