Keywords
Integral index
Competitive advantage
Spearman's method
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: The study aims to substantiate the priority development of the innovative potential of human capital as a key factor in enhancing the competitiveness of macroregions, particularly in territories lagging behind in socio-economic growth.
Methodology/Approach: The research applies methodological developments for assessing human potential, adapting and refining existing approaches with new indicators. Using statistical analysis, integral indices of human capital and competitiveness were calculated for the Southern and North Caucasus Federal Districts of Russia. The correlation between these indices and the innovation potential of human capital was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation method.
Originality/Relevance: The novelty of the study lies in demonstrating that the innovative potential of human capital has a stronger impact on competitiveness in less developed regions compared to leading socio-economic regions. This highlights the decisive role of human-centered factors in regional growth under conditions of digital transformation.
Main Conclusion: Findings show that while the Southern Federal District outperforms the North Caucasus Federal District in socio-economic development, the correlation between innovation potential and competitiveness is stronger in the North Caucasus. This suggests that traditional factors dominate in the Southern regions, whereas human capital’s innovative capacity plays an increasingly critical role in the North Caucasus.
Theoretical/Methodological Contribution: The study advances the methodology of assessing human capital by introducing refined indicators and applying Spearman’s correlation to analyze interrelations between competitiveness and innovation. It contributes to the theoretical understanding of human capital as a driver of regional competitiveness and offers practical insights for managing innovation-oriented development strategies.
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