Human capital as an object of economic research: modern approaches

Abstract

The purpose. The article analyzes modern approaches to understanding human capital as an economic category, focusing on the regional level. Human capital is the sum of knowledge, skills, and abilities accumulated by individuals through education, training, and health and used to increase economic productivity. The article highlights the leading human capital theories and examines the impact of investments in education and health on economic growth.

Research methods include analysis of scientific publications and empirical studies that examine the relationship between human capital and economic growth. Data from international sources are used to assess the impact of education and health. A comparative analysis of approaches to assessing human capital is also carried out, taking into account the intangible nature of this phenomenon and various indicators, such as the quality of education and cognitive skills.

The study results indicate that human capital is critical to stimulating economic growth and innovation and increasing labor productivity. A high level of investment in education, health care, and vocational training are essential determinants of economic competitiveness at the national and regional levels. Technological advances, particularly Internet resources, and distance learning contribute to more effective human capital development. In general, the study's results emphasize the need to form a comprehensive policy for the effective management of human capital. Such policies should include investment in education, health care, skills development, and technology development to ensure sustainable economic growth.

The conclusions emphasize the importance of policy formation aimed at the development and optimization of human capital, in particular by supporting investments in education and health care. The importance of distinguishing the concepts of "human capital" and "human potential" for effectively managing human resources was separately noted. It is concluded that the development of human capital contributes not only to the growth of productivity but also to the provision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.