Refers to the knowledge, skills, competencies, experiences, health, creativity, and other attributes that enable individuals to contribute to work, society, and their own well-being. Human capital is developed through education, training, work experience, lifelong learning, health, and other life experiences, and is widely regarded as one of the primary drivers of economic growth, innovation, organizational performance, and individual opportunity.

The concept emerged in economics during the mid-twentieth century through scholars who argued that investments in education, training, and health increase individuals' productive capabilities in much the same way that investments in physical capital increase the productive capacity of businesses and economies. Human capital theory subsequently became a foundational concept in economics, workforce development, education policy, and organizational management.

Today, many researchers view human capital as encompassing the capabilities that enable individuals to adapt to technological change, exercise judgment, solve complex problems, collaborate effectively, and continue learning throughout increasingly long and dynamic careers. Organizations such as the Stanford Center on Longevity further emphasize that human capital encompasses not only workforce skills, but also personal growth, civic participation, caregiving, health, and the capacities that enable individuals to flourish across the lifespan.

In an AI-enabled economy, discussions of human capital increasingly focus on the complementary relationship between human and machine capabilities. As AI automates routine tasks, the importance of uniquely human capabilities (e.g., contextual intelligence, ethical judgment, creativity, communication, adaptability, and relationship building) has become an important component of human capital. Consequently, many workforce strategies now emphasize continuous learning, reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong development as essential investments in maintaining and strengthening human capital.