Developing Human Capital and Building Future Skills in the Age of Digital Transformation: Lessons from the Korean Experience

This study explores the critical role of human capital development and future skills formation in addressing the challenges of contemporary technological transformations and promoting sustainable economic growth.Against the backdrop of the Fourth Industrial Revolution-characterized by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, blockchain, and digital connectivity-countries worldwide are compelled to reimagine their educational systems and workforce strategies.The research focuses on the South Korean model as a successful case of digital transformation and skill-based economic advancement, offering valuable insights for developing nations.Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study investigates how Korea transitioned from a resource-scarce economy to a global leader in innovation and digital technology through strategic investment in human capital, education reform, and research-driven policies.The findings reveal that Korea's progress was achieved through continuous investment in science and technology education, university-industry partnerships, and the creation of a digital ecosystem that supports creativity, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.The study concludes that sustainable economic transformation depends on a nation's ability to adapt its human resource strategies to technological realities and to foster future-oriented skills that align with the evolving demands of the digital economy.