Exploring the impact of human development, education and R&D expenditures on nation brand competitiveness: evidence from cross-country panel data
Hossein Jalilian, Sajjad Abdi, Yones RomianiPurpose
This study investigates the impact of education and research and development (R&D) expenditures on nation brand value (NBV), while also considering the roles of government effectiveness (GE) and human development. This study aims to provide insights into how investments in education, R&D and governance influence a nation’s global brand competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses panel data analysis of eight countries over a 10-year period (2011–2020). Using econometric modeling, including fixed-effects regression, this research examines the relationships between government expenditure on education (GEE), R&D expenditures (RDE), GE, the human development index (HDI) and NBV. The analysis is based on data from the World Bank, UNDP and Brand Finance.
Findings
The results of this study reveal a significant positive correlation between the HDI and NBV, indicating that higher levels of human development contribute to a stronger national brand. However, this study finds no significant impact of RDE and GEE on NBV.
Originality/value
This research offers a novel perspective on the role of education and R&D investments in shaping NBV, emphasizing the importance of human capital and GE. By focusing on cross-country panel data and using robust econometric methods, this study contributes to the growing literature on nation branding. The findings of this study provide practical implications for policymakers aiming to strengthen their nation’s brand through targeted investments in education, R&D and governance, while highlighting the critical role of human development in enhancing global competitiveness.