Research Article
The Cyclical Relationship of Growth and Distribution, Social Conflict, and Realization of Social Values
Bark Soon Il*,
Kang Ku Young
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-13
Received:
2 September 2025
Accepted:
24 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: The virtuous and vicious cycle between economic growth and income distribution has been discussed for a long time. Especially, Korea, which has been divided into south and north Korea, has experienced serious ideological conflicts last several decades during the unprecedentedly rapid economic development since 1960s. Barro (2000) and others recently assert the inverted U-shaped hypothesis of Simon Kuznets between the two. This paper suggests the possibility of a ‘U’-shape relationship between growth and distribution is empirically estimated with recent OECD data which means more advanced countries to be represented than before. And a cyclical relationship is also assumed in the long-term changes of the Gini coefficient by income level, because Kuznets’ inverted ‘U’ hypothesis is also presumed to be appropriate in developing or less developed countries. This paper also emphasizes that social conflict between proponents for the two is unavoidable and thus we need a model to maximize national happiness to reduce the conflict by exchanging compensation values between losers and gainers using big data and AI technology. The AI technology seems to take very important role to find such social values in conflicting issues particularly complicated by political ideologies, because politicians have used to distort reasonable resources distribution, shrink growth potentiality and threaten the prosperity of the future generation.
Abstract: The virtuous and vicious cycle between economic growth and income distribution has been discussed for a long time. Especially, Korea, which has been divided into south and north Korea, has experienced serious ideological conflicts last several decades during the unprecedentedly rapid economic development since 1960s. Barro (2000) and others recentl...
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Research Article
How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Internationalization
Marja-Liisa Tenhunen*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
14-21
Received:
2 February 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
9 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.eco.20261501.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the global competition for highly skilled human capital, fundamentally reshaping the economic function of universities and redefining the strategic purpose of higher education internationalization. In this context, internationalization is no longer limited to cross-border student mobility but operates as a structural mechanism influencing national AI capacity, innovation performance, and long-term competitiveness. This article investigates how universities function as institutional platforms for AI talent formation, attraction, circulation, and retention, and how different internationalization models affect national outcomes in the emerging AI-driven economy. The study employs a qualitative comparative case study design, drawing on policy frameworks, higher education governance structures, research investment patterns, and international partnership strategies in selected Nordic countries and Romania. The comparative analysis enables the identification of structural differences in talent governance regimes and their measurable implications for innovation capacity and knowledge retention. The empirical findings demonstrate that coordinated higher education systems characterized by sustained public investment in research infrastructure, policy coherence, and strategically embedded international partnerships are significantly more effective in converting global AI talent mobility into domestic innovation output and long-term economic value creation. By contrast, fragmented governance arrangements and reactive internationalization strategies are associated with persistent outward mobility of AI-skilled graduates, weaker institutional research ecosystems, and limited returns on public investment in advanced digital education. Building on these findings, the article conceptualizes internationalization as a strategic instrument of AI talent governance within national innovation systems. It contributes to the economics of innovation and higher education by linking university internationalization strategies to AI competitiveness and offers policy-relevant guidance for countries seeking to strengthen their position in the global AI landscape.
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the global competition for highly skilled human capital, fundamentally reshaping the economic function of universities and redefining the strategic purpose of higher education internationalization. In this context, internationalization is no longer limited to cross-border student mobility but operates as...
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