<p> The human capital accumulation is an important production factor to promote the economic growth of the countries. In this thesis the role of the universities of Puerto Rico in the creation of human capital stock at the regional level is studied, based on a panel data analysis of 15 areas of labor market during the census years 1960 to 2010. The stock of human capital refers to the knowledge generated by the universities through the production of degrees and the R&D activities. Three variables as proxies were designed to measure the rate of accumulation of human capital (HCAP), the rate of new professional degrees (NGRAD) and research and development activities (DRES). The results obtained showed that NGRAD had a positive but very small impact on the rate of human capital stock, while that the R&D did not show any impact. The significant determinants to the growth of HCAP in the regional labor market were the real income per capita and federal tax exemption under Section 936. It's presumed that this incentive promoted by foreign investments generated knowledge spillovers and induced positive externalities for innovation and local economic development. To increase the productivity of the regions it is suggested that universities must be more proactive in the strategic and economic development of the regions in which they are located. This implies that the universities need to reassess their roles so as to actively contribute to the formulation of regional plans of action, promote entrepreneurship activities for professionals who are not being absorbed by the economy, and promote collaboration and knowledge spillovers with regional businesses.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3709286 |
| Date | 29 July 2015 |
| Creators | Santiago Gerena, Soriel V. |
| Publisher | Universidad del Turabo (Puerto Rico) |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | SP |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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