Education and Economic Development: Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Analysis of the interdependence of education and economic development is a subject of interest of researchers for many
decades. A large number of published studies, papers and books on the impact of education on the process of economic development
has given us the necessary foundation of a multidisciplinary approach in research process of link between education and development.
Objectives were as follows: elaborate educational system of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutional framework; present the benefits
and costs of education and define the challenges and obstacles in the field of educational policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Assessment of the educational system and educational policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as an overview of the educational
system are given based on the findings of primary research and data from secondary sources. Secondary data used in research was
obtained from reports and publications of domestic governmental and nongovernmental institutions, international organizations and
others, while the primary data and analysis were obtained as a result of structured group and individual interviews.
The study results suggest that education is an important factor of economic development and as such should be part of the economic
policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Education should also be used as a factor of competitiveness, human development, integration and
transition processes. This paper also presents recommendations for education policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which applicative
contribution of the paper is reflected.