A methodological approach to developing human capital in the tourism sector in Russia: An integrative model within the Industry 5.0 paradigm

Introduction. Rapid transformations in the tourism industry caused by digitalization, social instability, and changes in employment models call for new methodological approaches to the development of human capital. Purpose. The article aims at developing an integrative assessment model for human capital in the tourism sector. The proposed model should address the current challenges of the digital economy and meet the requirements of sustainable development. Materials and Methods. The study employs expert surveys, content analysis of strategic documents, and evaluates organizational digital maturity. Results. The article proposes an original integrative assessment model for human capital in tourism, derived from the synthesis of institutional theory, the ESG approach, and Industry 5.0 principles. The author has developed an integral human capital index (K) with three components: an institutional component (I); sustainability and social responsibility (ESG); and technological factors, including digital transformation (T5.0). Human capital in tourism in Russia and several foreign countries has been compared. The model accounts for regional and sector-specific features, enabling the use of adaptive evaluation mechanisms through adjustment coefficients (e.g., seasonality and infrastructure availability). Conclusions. The proposed approach contributes to the development of a sustainable human resource policy in tourism that responds to the challenges of the digital economy and global competition. The model can be of practical value to government bodies, HR departments, educational institutions, and expert and professional communities. The research results are applicable in strategic planning at both industry and regional levels. In the future, the model may be piloted in selected regions, followed by the development of specialized indices.