This paper explores how competition affects economic growth and the distribution of skills in a model focusing on research and development (R&D) and human capital. The study shows that growth is mainly driven by the desire to acquire skills. In this model, imperfect competition actually boosts growth and influences where human capital is used in different economic activities. Surprisingly, the amount of resources put into R&D doesn't always increase with market power, and the relationship between market power and output growth is not straightforward.