Development of human potential as an actual context for the transformation of the education system in Russia

The issues of human potential development as an important task of modern society, including the education system, are considered. The content of the strategic planning documents of the Russian Federation in the field of human development is disclosed. The essential-content characteristic of the category “human potential” is generalized. An expert opinion on the role of education in the development of human potential is indicated. A selective ranking of countries by the level of human development and education is presented. The strategic priorities of Russian universities in the field of sustainable development and human development are analyzed. It is shown that universities have a unique opportunity to become innovators who model a new strategy for the country’s sustainable development, since it is they who make a significant contribution to sustainable regional development, shape society, and train agents of change. A number of conclusions are made, in particular, that the national policy in the field of human development is currently moving to a qualitatively new level. There is a systematization of goals, tasks and resources. Universities are actively involved in initiatives aimed at accelerating the achievement of the UN SDGs, promoting ESG values, while strengthening their positions as key actors of change towards sustainable development. The demand for specialists who are able to put into practice the principles of sustainable development in various areas of the national economy is growing significantly. In this regard, universities are faced with the task of preparing graduates not only with the necessary set of competencies, but also with a formed understanding of new values in the context of the sustainable development of society, the central element of which is a person. The research methodology was based on certain provisions of the concept of human potential, outlined in the works of leading foreign and Russian scientists. The study uses methods of theoretical and comparative analysis; content analysis of documents, as well as materials presented in open access databases. The materials of the study were documents in the field of human development of the United Nations, UNESCO, the World Bank, as well as documents on the strategic development of the Russian Federation; programs and development strategies of a number of Russian universities.

human potential, education system, transformation of the education system, strategic planning documents, human development level, strategic priorities, sustainable development, andragogical practice, labour market