The Theoretical and Methodological Principles of Forming the Quality of Human Capital in the Context of Digitalization

The aim of the article is to substantiate and develop the theoretical and methodological support for the quality of human capital (HC) in the context of digital transformation. The article reveals the theoretical foundations for the formation of the concept of «quality of human capital» based on the analysis of its generic categories: «human capital» and «quality». A generalization of scientific sources has allowed defining HC as an aggregate of knowledge, skills, experience, digital, and soft competencies that create economic value for enterprises, society, and the economy as a whole. The evolution of the HC conception is illustrated as follows: from the classical approaches of A. Smith, G. Becker, and T. Schultz up to the modern understanding that considers digital competencies (working with big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain), adaptability, innovation, and ethics. The concept of quality is examined through the lens of economic efficiency, adaptability, compliance with standards, and the ability to innovate. The content of the quality of HC is characterized by determinants such as the degree of alignment of employees’ knowledge, skills, and motivation with the demands of the digital economy, labor market, organizational goals, and technological challenges, as well as features such as adaptability to technological changes, innovative potential, ethics, and the ability to protect data. The work systematizes the main theoretical approaches: investment, resource, systemic, competency-based, innovative, and summarizes the conceptions of both adaptive and ethical quality. It is demonstrated that modern requirements for the quality of HC are shaped by the influence of digitalization, which necessitates the development of analytical skills, cyber literacy, and the ability for rapid requalification. The current methodological tools for assessing the quality of HC are also analyzed, including certifications (CFA, CISSP), KPIs, ROIs, and analysis of digital cases. Particular attention is paid to international practices of developing human capital (using examples of Klarna, Revolut, N26, Monobank), which demonstrate the efficiency of integrating digital skills into HR strategies. The connection between the quality of HC and the conception of intellectual capital and economic architecture has been established. A conclusion has been reached regarding the necessity of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, ethically oriented approach to the development of human capital as a key factor for competitiveness and innovative development in the context of the digital transformation of the economy.