| Popis: |
Since the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq in 2003, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has shown a dramatic change. To some extent, regional and international journalists have brought the change into the international spotlight. As an Autonomous region, Iraqi Kurdistan, which possesses its government, parliament and constitution, is formally recognized in the Iraqi Federal constitution, and the KRG was granted 17% of the Iraqi budget. In a very short time, the region attracted many national and international companies for business and trade. Trade and investment increased rapidly, and the private sectors improved. This, in turn, created various job opportunities. Consequently, the region became a suitable place for foreign skilled professionals. Iraqi Kurdistan did not have the skilled workers to meet or fulfil the requirement that the market needed. This immense economic growth required highly skilled and qualified human capital, which the higher education system of Kurdistan had failed to provide. Therefore, to satisfy the market's needs, the KRG, through the ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has invested millions of US dollars in higher education to produce human capital. The ministry has adopted the Human Capacity Development Program (HCDP) that has sent two-three thousands of students to western countries to study at best-known universities. The aim was to satisfy the needs of the region’s market and develop the region's production system. This study explores to what extent investment in higher education has led to development. In other words, it investigates to what extent the HCDP program of human capital, which is achieved through formal training and education, has led to human skills capabilities, growth and mobility in the Kurdistan region. |
