Evaluating the Quality of Human Resources in a Regional Scientific and Educational Ecosystem

Abstract

Modern developments in science and education are marked by rapid changes in the global environment and the emergence of regional science-education ecosystems. However, the quality of the human resources (HR) involved in these ecosystems remains insufficiently examined. The purpose of the paper is to identify the key characteristics of HR quality in a regional science-education ecosystem, introduce a methodological approach for assessing HR quality through its influence on the regional economy, and demonstrate the application of this approach. The study’s hypothesis suggests that evaluating HR quality in a regional science-education ecosystem should include characteristics such as competence, motivation, engagement, innovativeness, and competitiveness. The proposed methodological approach is applied to assess HR quality in the science-education ecosystem of Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia. This region is one of the country’s major research hubs and has hosted the Academgorodok 2.0 program since 2018.
            The analysis shows that the region’s human resources have above-average competitiveness, with an overall quality score of 4.4. They are highly qualified and open to innovation, supporting the region’s leading position in Russia’s innovation development ranking. Weaknesses include low workforce engagement and limited interaction between science, education, and industry. Enhancing collaboration among these spheres could strengthen the region’s innovative development. The study is limited by regional statistics, which do not fully capture all HR quality characteristics. Nevertheless, the results can guide regional science-education policy and support ecosystem-focused cooperation.