Details
- Publication date
- 31 March 2019
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Adult education
- Early childhood education and care (ECEC)
- Higher education
- School education
- Thematic areas covered
- Educational attainment and participation in education
- Educational effectiveness and efficiency
- Governance of education
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Monitoring and quality assurance
- Quality and inclusive education for all
- Skills development
- Teachers and trainers
Description
This analytical review focuses on the returns to public investment in education to support evidence-based policymaking.
The key finding is that education yields positive effects not only on individual economic outcomes (e.g. earnings) but also on broader societal benefits—such as better health, civic participation, and lower crime rates. Returns are particularly high for early childhood education, though positive impacts are observed across all education levels.
Teacher quality is highlighted as a critical factor in maximizing the benefits of educational investment. However, simply increasing spending without improving efficiency may not lead to better outcomes.
The report recommends targeting high-return areas, especially for disadvantaged children. Long-term planning and continuous monitoring of impact are essential to ensure effective investment.
Author
Zachary Kilhoffer
Cite as
Zachary Kilhoffer (2019). 'Education and the Use of Digital Technology: the School Learning Ecology', EENEE Policy Brief 3, 2019
