Аннотация
In the context of the world transitioning to the Industry 4.0 stage and the intensive implementation of digitalization, human capital is acquiring a key role as a factor of highly efficient and innovative economic growth. The development of digital literacy is becoming an essential component of the basic skills required in modern society.The relevance of this study lies in the need to assess the level of human potential development in the EAEU countries, which is one of the key indicators of digital economy development. The aim of the article is to identify the factors influencing the dynamics of the Human Development Index (HDI) and to forecast its development both for Kazakhstan and across the EAEU. The article examines the main HDI indicators: life expectancy, education level, and quality of life of the population. To achieve this aim, an economic-statistical analysis and a factor-determined analysis using the chain substitution method were applied; the results of the study are presented in a comparative analysis. The information base consisted of statistical data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, EEC reports, and UN Development Programme materials for the period 2018–2024. The analysis of HDI dynamics in the EAEU countries revealed that Kazakhstan shows significant progress (average HDI – 0.817), second only to Russia in terms of growth rate. The most significant factor driving Kazakhstan’s progress is the increase in gross national income (GNI) per capita in PPP terms (up to USD 36,600 in 2024). Despite these achievements, Kazakhstan ranks 174th out of 189 countries worldwide in healthcare spending (3.3% of GDP), which restrains the growth of the life expectancy index (LEI). To improve its position, Kazakhstan requires a comprehensive approach, including investments in education, healthcare, and the development of non-resource sectors of the economy.