Education and social cohesion for economic growth

Abstract

Relevant theoretical underpinnings suggest that higher education, continuous professional development and training provide numerous opportunities for societal advancement. This contribution posits that interventions in the realms of education can play a significant role in shaping key performance indicators for laudable social outcomes. It suggests that education leadership may contribute to create a fair, just and equitable society for all. This article discusses how education fosters social cohesion. This paper sheds light on Malta’s National Reform Programme in order to meet the European Union’s (EU’s) 2020 strategy. It presents an assessment of the economic, social and environmental situation in Malta. The smallest EU state is pursuing its policy efforts to reduce early school leaving. At the same time, it is striving to address skills gaps (and mismatches) in its domestic labour market. This case study indicates that with better education leadership, there may be implications for economic growth, job creation and competitiveness. It shows that family-friendly measures including better access to childcare, more flexible working schemes and employer incentives can help individuals to return to work. In conclusion, this contribution maintains that the pursuit towards continuous improvements in education leadership and social progress can create a virtuous cycle of productivity outcomes and economic growth.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers of this paper. Their insightful remarks have helped to improve the quality of this contribution.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark A. Camilleri

Mark Anthony Camilleri is a resident academic within the Department of Corporate Communication at the University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta. Email: [email protected]. He is a tutor at the University of Edinburgh’s Business School and a visiting lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University. He is a PhD graduate from the University of Edinburgh and holds an MBA from the University of Leicester. He acquired more than 10 years of academic experience in teaching and lecturing at graduate and post-graduate levels in Hong Kong, Malta and the UK.

Adriana Camilleri

Adriana Camilleri is a candidate for a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the University of Bath, Claverton Down Road, Bath, North East Somerset BA2 7AY, United Kingdom. Email: [email protected]. She holds more than 15 years work experience as a full time teacher. She taught different subjects at primary, secondary and vocational levels.