The subject of study is the human development index in Primorsky Krai. The paper focuses on the relationship between the concepts «human capital» and «human potential». The paper studied international experience, including the experience of the Russian Federation on the calculation of the human development index (HDI) based on the Human Development Report, presentation of programs of the United Nations (UNDP). The study shows the changes in the structure and methodology of calculating HDI since 2010. As an illustrative example, the index calculated for the Primorye Territory. The study revealed problems in the socio-economic development of the area and the ways of solving them. The measurement of each component of the HDI allows you to conduct further studies to fi nd out in what area of human capacity specifi cally, there are problems and why they are taking place. The paper used general theoretical (analysis, classifi cation, induction, deduction, etc.), as well as practical research methods (comparison and measurement).

In the present economic conditions it’s important to increase the effi ciency of investment in individual human capital. Higher education for students is an investment in their human capital. Therefore, it is relevant to study the attitude of students to the learning process in the University, to identify factors that reduce the eff ectiveness of learning, i.e. the process of investing. The authors developed two targeted questionnaires and conducted a survey of 141 student of Samara state University of Economics. Analysis of results allowed to formulate and substantiate scientifi c recommendations for improving the eff ectiveness of investments in human capital in the learning process at the University. It is necessary to activate self-training, to clearly structure and present information, to use business games and debates, to praise for success, to positively treat the initiative of students.