Competitiveness and Human Resource Development in Asia

Abstract

Rapid growth in a number of East Asian economies over the last three decades has been facilitated by an effective strategy of human resource development. The principal element of this strategy has been to provide basic education and health to a wider segment of society. This strategy helped these countries achieve rapid growth through labor-intensive manufacturing on one hand, and ensure equitable distribution in society on the other. However, these countries are confronted with new human resource challenges as they attempt to make the transition to the next stage of development. As this paper points out, many of East Asia's rapidly growing economies have paid inadequate attention to higher education and technological capability among their people. The paper identifies specific areas in which human resource development remains weak in developing Asia and suggests strategies and policies to overcome them.