This article investigates the impact of human capital on economic growth, emphasizing the importance of education as a key factor in increasing worker productivity and promoting economic development. The analysis explores various theories, including neoclassical and endogenous growth models, highlighting the positive externalities associated with the accumulation of human capital. Using panel data for the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District between 2012 and 2020, the study examines the relationship between the proportion of people with secondary education, energy consumption, schooling, internet access and GDP. The results highlight the importance of education and access to services as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth. The fixed effects panel model, chosen as the most appropriate, reveals a positive and significant impact of secondary education and energy consumption on GDP. The findings suggest that investments in human capital, particularly in education and innovation, are essential for long-term economic development.
Araújo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.