Transformation of the category “human capital” in foreign and domestic economic thought

Human capital is a key element of the productive forces in the global economic system. The changes that are taking place in the modern world dictate new requirements for human capital, complemented by digital competencies, individual and creative human development. Throughout the development of labor and economic relations, human capital has changed in its qualitative content, functionality and ideological content. The study and assessment of human capital in all historical periods of development has been a priority area of research. Thus, the general global approach to defining the concept of “human capital”, which assumes that labor resources are a source of national income, is transformed into a personalized approach with an emphasis on the uniqueness of a person with his individual set of competencies. The article examines the approaches to the content of the concept of “human capital” of foreign and domestic representatives of economic thought. The contribution of various scientists to the development of the essence of the category “human capital” is highlighted, and the stages of the formation of approaches to the content of the concept “human capital” are systematized. The stages of transformation of the category "human capital" are listed: labor as the main source of income, the allocation of the concept of human capital into an independent category, attempts to value human capital, the need to invest in the development of human capital, the transition to personification and development of competencies, the impact of digitalization on the qualitative characteristics of human capital. Conclusions are drawn about the need to revise the concept, approaches and methods to the study and assessment of human capital in modern conditions.