Fifteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

A major concern, for decades, has been the reduction of economic and social inequalities. Competitiveness, in turn, has become an extremely important process for ensuring economic growth and social development. In this context, we are interested in analysing the ways in which inequalities can be compressed and competitiveness can be increase. From the multitude of factors able to contribute positively to the achievement of these objectives, we analyze the role of higher education on its three levels for 19 European countries for the period 2013 - 2018. We applied a panel methodology and we found that gender in high education field has an important role in reducing European inequalities. It is important that, on the first and third level of higher education to be a relatively equality between genders. Gender loses its explanatory power in relation to higher education`s second level. Increasing the total number of graduates is not enough to reduce inequalities and increase competitiveness in European countries. Relative equality between the men and women graduating from higher education is a condition for achieving the European inequality and competitiveness goals. These findings contribute to the existent literature and can inspire economic decision - makers in the field of educational and economic policy.