Tomorrow's Cities: innovative innovative approaches to tackling social challenges

Human capital concept refers to the knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes embodied in individuals that help to build up personal, social and economic well-being. Moreover, it inextricably relates to individuals’ capacity of trust and networks and it is influenced by cultural and territorial settings. Human capital has long been recognised as one of the most essential contributors to the prosperity of regions and cities, the places where people live. Broadly understood as including social and entrepreneurial capital, it is essential for innovative solutions to societal challenges. Understanding the needs of human capital locally and harnessing its potential is essential for scientists and policy makers who want to provide concrete responses to societal challenges and values. Globalisation, digital economy, and demographic dynamics, including migration, represent a major challenge for today society and they increasingly push for new approaches to ensure competitiveness, fairness and resilience. The influx of refugees, the increasing elderly population, the networked and multicultural society, the management of knowledge globally, the need for different skills, the need for a resilient society, are only a few examples of the challenges that regions and cities have to face and that have an influence on the development of their human capital.