OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190609
Index-Based Analysis of Ukraine’s Ranking Position in Human Capital Development
Anastasiia Ilina
Department of Public Administration, State University of Trade and Economics, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Corresponding authour: a.ilyina@knute.edu.ua
Abstract: The article is devoted to an index-based analysis of Ukraine’s ranking position in human capital development, with special attention to the interconnections between human capital, innovation activities, the knowledge economy, and the formation of national economic competitiveness. The analysis relies on international indexes whose dynamics reflect both Ukraine’s development in this
area and the country’s relative position in global rankings. According to the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for 2014–2019, Ukraine demonstrated progress in education and social protection, yet unresolved challenges remain in institutional capacity, stability, and public health. The lack of post-2019 data complicates the evaluation of reform outcomes. The Human Development Index (HDI) for 2015–2023 highlights strengths in education and healthcare, underpinned by macroeconomic stability and high literacy rates, though vulnerabilities persist. The Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) for 2015–2022 suggests that reforms contributed to stabilizing human capital development, but deficiencies in the rule of law, market openness, and financial freedom continue. Missing data for 2023 further obstruct analysis in the context of the ongoing war. Earlier, between 2008 and 2012, Ukraine ranked low in the Knowledge Index (KI) and Knowledge Economy Index (KEI), primarily due to weak institutions and insufficient innovation policy. The World Bank’s subsequent discontinuation of these indexes limited opportunities for comparison and hindered strategic planning. The Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) confirms Ukraine’s potential but stresses weak talent retention and limited support for skilled professionals. Similarly, the Global Innovation Index (GII) points to the urgent need to rebuild innovation potential through institutional strengthening, curriculum modernization, and infrastructure renewal. Overall, the findings underscore the need to же modernize education, foster STEM and digital skills, expand mentoring, and support both youth and older workers. These efforts are critical for innovation recovery and can inform strategic policies in education, innovation, and employment.
Keywords: economic freedom; global competitiveness; human capital; human development; knowledge economy
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