The Human Capital as an Engine of Sustainable Development: Analysis of the National and Regional Reality of Portugal

Abstract

The development of contemporary societies, strongly promoted by the so-called knowledge society, builds its pillars on the development of technology and the importance of networks of production and diffusion of knowledge. Concepts such as innovation and human creativity are the levers of the new creative dynamics of development and play a leading role in all dimensions of life, both social and economic. In this study we start from the principle that human capital is crucial in building, both national and regional, a better educated, more innovative and intelligent society. To measure human capital, we use the variables available in the 2008 European Values Survey, both regarding the central concepts of human capital and other dimensions that we believe are central to this process. The results show a value of national human capital that is between the low and middle level of the scale, with significant regional differences. The results also show a significant relationship between human capital and the values that prioritize self-fulfilment and participation such as determination and independence and participatory commitment, essential conditions to foster a more plural and just society, with fewer social inequalities.