Abstract

In recent few years, the concept of sustainable development has been deeply investigated, both from a pure economic growth perspective and by adopting more heterodox paradigms, which address for human development and institutional quality. The most fashionable empirical models addressing for the role of environment into a development path are the Resource Curse Hypothesis (RCH) and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). The aim of this paper is to build an empirical model which collects inputs both from RCH and EKC studies with an emphasis on the role of human development dimensions and institutions as drivers for a sustainable development path. The results confirm the fundamental role of the quality both of institutions and human capital stock in enhancing economic growth and development while preserving environmental sustainability.