THE ROLE OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN SHAPING COMPETITIVE POLICY AND STRENGTHENING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Purpose. The article is devoted to defining and revealing the role of human capital in shaping competitive policy and strengthening Ukraine's socio-economic security. The subject of the study is the scientific and methodological foundations for the development and assessment of human capital as a key factor in the competitiveness of the state and its socio-economic security. The object of the study is the processes of formation, use, and reproduction of human capital in the context of globalization transformations, military challenges, and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. To achieve the set goal, the following theoretical methods were used: analysis of source base, comparison, systematization, generalization, and a structural-functional approach. The category of human capital and its place in shaping competitive policy and ensuring the socio-economic security of the state have been defined. The main components of human capital (educational potential, health and demographic characteristics, innovative activity, social mobility, and flexibility) that determine the level of competitiveness of a nation have been identified. The key mechanisms of human capital's impact on competitive policy (innovation, entrepreneurship development, regional development, investment attraction, social stability) are presented. The economic, social, and security aspects of the impact of human capital on the socio-economic security of Ukraine are considered. It is shown that a highly skilled workforce reduces dependence on technology imports, ensures social cohesion, and contributes to the formation of effective institutions. It is established that the scientific and methodological foundations for assessing human capital in the context of security and competitiveness include a set of theoretical and practical tools that allow identifying, assessing, and predicting risks associated with its development. In the course of the study, the basic principles of human capital analysis were identified and systematized: systematicity and comprehensiveness, risk monitoring and forecasting, integration into the state's competitive policy, and the use of quantitative and qualitative indicators. The importance of a systematic approach to the development of human capital as a strategic resource for Ukraine's socio-economic security is substantiated. It is determined that the methodological principles include the development of a system of indicators for assessing its development, regular monitoring, risk analysis, and the formation of effective management tools. Key components of methodological support for human capital development are proposed: monitoring, assessment, and risk management in the areas of education, employment, innovation, and social protection. The conclusions of the study are that human capital development is a key factor in the competitiveness and socio-economic security of a country. Human capital is not only an economic resource, but also a strategic basis for building an innovative economy, increasing social stability, and strengthening national security. The socio-economic security of a state is a dynamic state of stable functioning and development of society and the economy in the face of external and internal challenges, which includes protecting the country's economic interests, ensuring financial stability, managing risks, forming competitive policies, and effectively utilizing labor resources. An understanding of the relevant scientific and methodological foundations can be based on the main approaches to the study of human capital, its key components, and mechanisms of influence on competitive policy and socio-economic security. The article also defines the basic principles of human capital assessment and development – systematicity, comprehensiveness, risk monitoring and forecasting, integration into public policy, and the use of quantitative and qualitative indicators, which makes it possible to develop effective strategies for its reproduction and use.