INNOVATION AND COMPETENCES OF EMPLOYEES IN THE CONDITIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Purpose:The aim of the study is to present the significance and determinants of innovation in human resources management, with particular emphasis on the importance of competencies in striving for sustainable development of enterprises, which constitutes a new perspective in human resources management and in the functioning and development of modern enterprises.Design/methodology/approach: In the theoretical part, the literature on the subject was analyzed.In order to answer the research questions, the diagnostic survey method was used (research technique: survey).Results: The conducted research was based on defining the essence of human resources management in the context of sustainable development.The significance and conditions of innovation in this area were indicated, with particular emphasis on the significance of competences in the digital economy in striving for sustainable development.Key competencies were identified and the level of their acquisition in the small and medium-sized enterprises studied was assessed.It was assumed that the most important determinant of the innovativeness of enterprises are key competencies, which are shaped by actions taken in the area of human resources management in the conditions of sustainable development, which also has an impact on innovative activities in the personnel area. Research limitations/implications:The results obtained during the empirical research are definitely survey-based and cannot be transferred to the entire population of small and mediumsized enterprises operating on the Polish market.It is planned to expand the research in the future to include a larger, more diverse research sample.Practical implications: The research results and conclusions constitute implications for the development of competencies appropriately adapted to management challenges in the context of environmental changes.Key competencies constitute a condition for innovation in the personnel area in pursuit of sustainable development, which in turn determines the innovativeness of the company adapting to changes in the environment (sustainable development, digitalization).Originality/value: The article shows the importance of competences and innovations in human resources management in striving for sustainable development of enterprises, which constitutes a new perspective on the functioning and development of modern enterprises, including SMEs.