A comparative study of the relationship between human capital investment and the growth and decline of two similar communities: A case study Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A., and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible relationship of investments in human capital, primarily education, with the economic growth of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and the economic decline of Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A. The two communities were chosen because of their similar location, available resources, and economic potential. Eventually the economic similarities would diverge.;Literature on economic growth has had mixed results in regards to causes or influences on growth. One of these influences is investment in human capital such as education. This quantitative study will identify the possible relationship of educational factors with the diverging economic cities such as educational attainment, academic test scores, regional GDP per capita, and per capita income.;The results from this study hopefully will add not only to the body of knowledge but will provide guidance for leaders of the two cities for sustaining or improving their economic status.