Correlation-Regression Analysis Between the Level of Education and Economic Development in Ukraine's Regions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the proportion of employed persons with at least a bachelor's degree and the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita across Ukrainian regions during the period from 2021 to 2023. The underlying hypothesis is that a higher level of educational qualification among the population contributes positively to regional economic indicators, which is reflected in an increase in GDP per capita. The research employed correlation and regression analysis methods based on official statistical data, revealing a moderately strong positive relationship between the studied variables. The findings indicate that an increase in the share of higher-educated employees is generally associated with improved economic productivity, particularly in urbanized and economically advanced regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Lviv, and Odesa. The study highlights that interregional disparities remain significant, and the contribution of university graduates to local economic development varies substantially. Given the severe economic challenges currently faced by Ukraine, the improvement of human capital quality is considered one of the key instruments for achieving sustainable development. The paper emphasizes the necessity of regular and reliable data collection, which would allow for more accurate long-term trend analysis. Particular attention is drawn to assessing the impact of the war that began in 2022 on the higher education system and its role in shaping the economic potential of the regions. Such research is of crucial importance for substantiating educational and regional policies aimed at ensuring balanced socio-economic growth. In the context of wartime conditions, the role of higher education as a factor of regional recovery, economic adaptation, and long-term competitiveness becomes especially relevant. Applying the identified patterns in socio-economic planning practice would enable more sound strategies for regional development, focused on the effective use of human capital in the post-crisis recovery process.