Assessment of the level of human capital of the Russian Federation and its contribution to the development of the country

In modern conditions of the strategic transition of the Russian economy from a raw material model to an innovative development model, the level of human capital plays a major role in the country's competitiveness in the international arena. However, the formation of a high level of human capital faces a number of challenges, which in turn increase inter-regional inequality in the country and prevent it from achieving cohesion. This article analyzes the level and dynamics of the human capital index (HDI) of the Russian Federation, identifies key factors for its decline, and evaluates government policy measures aimed at increasing it. In the main part of the work, based on the methodology of the World Bank, the authors conducted their own assessment of the HIC for 2021-2023, which revealed a decrease in HIC compared to previous periods. Further in the article, the main reasons for the negative manifestation of the dynamics of the HIC in Russia are substantiated in detail. At the end of the work, the importance of large-scale programs developed by the state authorities to improve the quality of life in the country is emphasized, but an emphasis is also placed on a deep targeted study of regional development measures in order to overcome interregional inequality and form long-term competitive advantages for the whole country.