Investments in human capital – knowledge and education as factors of sustainable development

Abstract

Development of products and services that create new value is achieved through human capital based on knowledge, skills and intellectual property which should be aimed towards innovations. In that manner, constant need for training and development of employees through impact on their knowledge, skills and abilities is stressed. Investments in knowledge and education are investments in the future, which, however, as factors affect the generation of rapid changes. For construction of human capital, it is required to define permanent strategy for the needs of sustainable development. Thus, there is a wide range of issues related to human capital and sustainability, with emphasis on relations among employment, health, education, economy, sustainable development, social protection and environmental protection. In accordance with previously mentioned factors, the aim of this paper is the review of the possibilities for affecting and improving the relations between human capital and sustainability as an example of a more comprehensive access to sustainable future.

Keywords

• human capital
• knowledge and education
• sustainable development