What Are the Approaches to Human Capital Development in OECD Countries?
Analysis of key OECD instruments demonstrates the importance of human capital development. Additionally, digitalization and the importance of advance planning and preparedness in such areas as medicine and lifelong learning are emphasized. Interdepartmental networks and cooperation with representatives of businesses and civil society to revise national strategies are listed as a separate recommendation.
According to the author (Vladimir Pavlov), The governments of all 38 OECD member states emphasize the need to develop the human capital of their citizens, but do not necessarily do so in the way recommended by OECD. In most instruments they avoid using the notion of ‘human capital’, while the areas associated with it are presented in somewhat general terms. Human resources development and welfare are not necessarily regarded as an asset, but rather as a positive consequence of economic development and national security.
Digitalization and sustainable development are among the central topics for most OECD members.
The author did not identify the existence of full-fledged interdepartmental networks involved in planning of human capital‒related issues, including a clearly articulated priority for their formation, as well as sustainable feedback mechanisms with civil society. There is also a relatively low level of homogeneity among member states in terms of their approaches to human capital development within their own borders despite overall stated importance hereinunder.
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