Selected Models of Human Capital in Conditions of the Knowledge-Based Economy in Poland

Abstract

Theoretical perspective of the new economic growth theory predicts that investments in physical capital have a greater impact on productivity growth than it would appear from the traditional theory of growth, which results from the action of external benefits associated with this type of investment. In turn, the impact of human capital in the process of economic development due to the po-tential benefits that accompany the process of its accumulation, affecting macroeconomic produc-tivity and income distribution in the long term. The paradigm of knowledge-based economy, and thus creating goods and services technologically advanced, requiring involving knowledge and information implies the necessity of human capital accumulation. Polish economy following in the direction of such a pattern is facing the problem of choosing the strategy of convergence towards a knowledge-based economy. Synthesis of successful experience of the Nordic countries, especial-ly Finland and the Danish model may be a model worthy of emulation, however, requires specific human capital accumulation strategies. The author of the paper argues that the coherent combination of development of the R&D activity supported by the state in partnership with private business, and combined with the development of human capital accumulation can determine the success of such convergence. Adopted in 2015 by the Polish Government National Program for Smart Specializations in connection with running in 2015 by the National Research and Development Centre competition to run in the Polish economy sector programs referring to KPIS is a noteworthy business model, as an example on the implementation of the Nordic model in Polish reality. Directed processes of human capital accumulation are its support, which the author presents as the model combination on the example of three representatives in the conditions of the Polish economy models of human capital accumulation.