Publication Details
Abstract
Human capital has emerged as a critical factor in driving sustainable regional economic growth, particularly in developing and transitioning economies. In Uzbekistan, and especially in the Khorezm region, the realization of this potential faces structural constraints, despite a favorable demographic profile. While national policies emphasize human capital development, the Khorezm region lacks an integrated strategy that aligns education, employment, healthcare, and infrastructure for comprehensive regional progress. This study aims to explore mechanisms for activating human capital to support the sustainable economic growth of the Khorezm region. The analysis reveals that although Khorezm exhibits a growing population, high literacy rates, and institutional reforms, its labor market suffers from low productivity, hidden unemployment, and a mismatch between educational outcomes and labor demands. The paper presents a localized diagnostic combining demographic, socio-economic, and institutional analyses through SWOT and comparative frameworks, revealing region-specific development levers and barriers. The study proposes actionable recommendations, including vocational education reform, digitalization, incentives for healthcare and education investment, and programs to curb brain drain. These findings offer strategic insights for policymakers to develop tailored roadmaps that foster inclusive regional development through effective human capital mobilization.