The development and use of human potential: a national economic approach
Importance The article deals with the issues of stabilization and competitiveness of the national economy arising due to the downturn in the Russian economy and the accumulation of social problems. Energy resources and well educated labor force are considered as the key advantages. Objectives In strategic decision-making, it is important to get a realistic assessment of the available opportunities, strengths and weaknesses. Methods For the analysis, I apply fundamental provisions of the general systems theory, offering to investigate several groups of qualitative and quantitative impacts and identify the most significant features of influence of institutional, socio-cultural, cognitive environment on formation and realization of human potential. An economic approach focuses the mind on the dual role of man in economic system: on the one hand, it is a work resource and creator of knowledge; on the other hand, it is the ultimate objective of economic growth and social development. Results I set the positive factors of and barriers to human development. I propose a conceptual framework of the growth of human potential, giving impetus to the revitalization of all types of competitive advantages for improving the efficiency and technological modernization of production, creation of innovative demand, and implementation of human and economic needs. Conclusions and Relevance An economic approach aimed at addressing the vital human needs, the development and application of skills, competencies, intellectual abilities and talents, uproots the methodological dissonance applied in the management of one-sided criteria of the maximum profitability of economic activity. It focuses on the priorities of human development, improvement of the quality of life, harmonization of society in order to create a solid foundation for the stability and integrity of the socio-economic system in the long term, taking into account the world innovative trends.