Effects of Human Capital and Innovation on Economic Growth in Selected ASEAN Countries: Evidence from Panel Regression Approach

Human capital and innovation capacities are essential elements and one of the sustainable approaches to driving economic growth. However, there is debate among scholars concerning these two factors in fostering economic growth. This study investigates the relationships between human capital and innovation capacity and economic growth in selected ASEAN countries, namely, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Economists widely discussed the interrelation of human capital and innovation. A large body of literature stated that human capital is an essential factor and engine of economic growth. Innovation has become key in transforming the economic development of developing countries. We analyze human capital (HC) and innovation capacity (INC) using static panel data analysis. The data analysis shows that the fixed-effect model is the best model in this study. Further, human capital (HC) has a significant positive relationship with economic growth. Meanwhile, innovation capacity has no significant relationship with economic growth. We also found that Malaysia’s coefficient of human capital and innovation capacity is higher and more efficient than in Thailand and Indonesia. In conclusion, human capital and innovation capacity are crucial elements for measuring economic growth. Skilled human capital contributes significantly to the economic growth and economic development of a nation.