The Crisis in Two Pacific Rim Economies: Higher Education and Employment in Mexico and Thailand Book

The Crisis in Two Pacific Rim Economies: Higher Education and Employment in Mexico and Thailand is the first study that provides a comparative analysis of the development of higher education and employment policies of two Pacific Rim economies, one Latin American and one Asian. Although distant geographically, closer inspection reveals remarkable similarities between Mexico and Thailand in the areas of education and employment; resemblances that can provide learning opportunities for both. Another important similarity is the economic crisis both countries endured in the last decade of the 20th century, including the first financial crisis of the 21st century.

After presenting a brief panorama of their world position with regard to economic development, the authors take into account the development plans for Thailand and Mexico, placing great importance on proactively developing human resources and directly linking human development to labor markets and economic growth. To delve even deeper into this complex question, they developed and applied an opinion survey in situ for members of the academic community, government officials and private sector entrepreneurs from both countries in order to gain greater insight into how the different actors view their current economic situation.

The authors conclude that important changes must be made in the higher education systems of both Mexico and Thailand in order to produce the highly skilled human capital required to increase efficiency and competitiveness. They hope to contribute to the process of study and reflection necessary to develop more integral plans in the areas of education and economic development for Pacific Rim countries. Furthermore, they hope the text can provide lessons and promote dialogue about Mexico's and Thailand's participation within the highly dynamic Asia Pacific economic region.