Chapter 4: The Supply-side Factors Driving Growth

I had noted in my previous book (Bunnell, 2014, p. 94) how continuous growth is being both supply fed and demand led. I have discussed in Chapter 3 the demand-led side aspect, and the particular emergence of a new class-in-formation termed the ‘GMC’ potentially seeking capital(s) accumulation both for their child, and themselves.

A first major overlooked driving force behind supply-side growth is the fact that ambitious operators and facilitators of networks of schools are seeking, and finding, considerable funding globally that will help supply more schools. It was clear in 2018 that this could soon involve large-scale public offerings via stock-market listings, in London and New York, beyond merely Hong Kong where many Asian educational companies are listed. Second, the ‘investment arms’ of nation-states are beginning to be attracted to the field, beyond merely seeking returns from hotels or financial institutions, the normal investment environment.