A Modern Understanding of the Essence of Human Capital in the Agro-Industrial Complex

This study examines the nature of human capital in Russia's agro-industrial complex in the face of contemporary challenges. The author draws on the duality of the category, identifying two components: industrial (organized sector employees) and extended (including private farms). The methodology is based on a combination of approaches (production, spatial, sectoral, technological, and vital), which allowed for the identification of the transformation of key human capital parameters. The key findings highlight new requirements for human capital driven by digital transformation, the need to ensure technological sovereignty, and food security. It has been established that modern human capital in the agro-industrial complex includes all those employed in agricultural production, regardless of spatial factors, but possessing the competencies to work with high technologies and AI agents. The emphasis shifts to continuous learning, adaptability, and customer focus. At the same time, the sector is threatened by socio-demographic disruptions and unsystematic digitalization. The study concludes that the future of human capital in the agro-industrial complex is linked to the transition to bio-informational autonomous complexes, which requires the development of a fundamentally new understanding of its essence and personnel training system.