Strategic Priorities for the Human Capital Development in the Context of Socio-Economic Inequality of Russia’s Regions

Abstract

At the present stage of development of the world and Russian economies, research on problems in the field of human capital development in its close relationship with economic growth is due to the transition to digital technologies and qualitative changes in the labor market. In Russia, these processes are complicated by persistent imbalances in regional development. The economic lag of regions, which is also caused by the low level of development and quality of human capital, leads to the formation of institutional traps: low incomes, reduced returns on education and, as a result, lack of motivation to invest in human capital lead to increased regional inequality and create a vicious circle. The authors justify the need to develop a regional policy in the "poor" and "middle" regions aimed at developing and improving the quality of human capital by increasing public investment in education. In addition, the article highlights barriers to quantitative growth, qualitative development and effective use of human capital in Russian regions.