Governance, Education, and Sustainable Development: A Comparative Analysis in Central and Eastern Europe

This study assessed the interplay between economic development, rule of law, social inequalities in education, and sustainable development in Central and Eastern European countries. Grounded in the theoretical background of sustainable development, this study examines how governmental efficiency, transparency, economic development, and social capital function as key drivers of SDG goals in CEE countries. The analysis draws on three theoretical models: the economic theory of sustainable development, institutional frameworks emphasizing good governance and sustainable development, and the role of social capital in shaping SDG dynamics. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the following research directions: i. the impact of economic development on the sustainable development index; ii. the relationship between the rule of law and the achievement of SDG goals; and iii. the relevance of social factors in sustainable development. Using a quantitative research design based on both linear and nonlinear regression models, we estimate that the interplay between governance and education is strongly related to an increased SDG index. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable development, offering insights into the particularities of Central and Eastern European social and economic development. This study provides evidence for scholars and policy-makers interested in sustainable development, highlighting the importance of institutional transparency and education in enhancing social and economic development.