Governments as human capital providers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the case for governmental support of higher education access to further national competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach A review of previous literature is used to examine different academic disciplines that impact the relationship between higher education access and national competitiveness. These bodies of knowledge are used to synthesize a rationale for impacting competitiveness through educational policy. Findings A coherent argument can be made that is strongly in support of governmental provision of relatively high levels of access to higher education. Research limitations/implications The recommendations are general. A specific cost‐benefit analysis of educational policies is beyond the scope of this paper. Practical implications This paper equips readers to explain why higher education access influences national competitiveness. While this point seems obvious to many who work in higher education, the connection is seldom made and often discounted among the general public. This paper can assist in informing the general public and those who represent them about the economic value of higher education. Originality/value This paper fills a gap that exists among the three academic fields of international trade, strategic management, and higher education policy.