The analysis of the relevance of a socially oriented approach in education aimed at a qualitative increase in human capital is carried out. The authors come to the conclusion that the main problem of the classical education program is its focus on obtaining basic knowledge, the so-called Hard skills. The importance and necessity of developing flexible behavioral skills and social intelligence in an individual that allow him to interact effectively with other members of society is overlooked. One of the main ways to solve the problems existing in the socio-economic sphere of the country and, in particular, higher education, this article indicates the directions for the development of human capital and the standard of living of the population, including the formation of organizational, economic, administrative and legal prerequisites, tools for unlocking the potential of Russia's human capital in the context of economic development and education.