21社论丨需完善“投资于人”的财政保障机制

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of "investment in people" as a strategic approach to drive economic transformation and enhance human capital, which is essential for sustainable development and competitiveness in the context of China's modernization [1][5]. Group 1: Investment in Human Capital - "Investment in people" is crucial for transforming the vast potential of China's 1.4 billion population into a driving force for domestic circulation, focusing on enhancing individual capabilities and safeguarding rights [1]. - The shift from capital-intensive to talent-intensive industries highlights the changing nature of human capital, where knowledge, skills, and innovation capabilities are now the core values [1][2]. - A comprehensive capability development system covering the entire life cycle is necessary, including reforms in basic education, higher education, and vocational training to align with new industrial demands [2]. Group 2: Human Capital as a Consumer Driver - "Investment in people" not only enhances supply-side quality but also activates the consumer market, facilitating internal circulation [2]. - Cultivating innovative talent leads to the creation of new technologies and industries, generating new consumption scenarios and products, thus stimulating previously non-existent consumer demands [2]. - As individual capabilities improve, consumer demand shifts from basic needs to higher-quality lifestyle pursuits, driving growth in sectors like education, culture, tourism, and health [2]. Group 3: Enhancing Consumer Capacity - A systematic policy approach is needed to enhance consumer capacity, focusing on employment promotion, income increase, and stabilizing expectations [3]. - Employment policies should prioritize new economies and industries to achieve higher quality employment, while income distribution reforms should increase labor compensation and expand the middle-income group [3]. - Fiscal spending should be optimized to prioritize public welfare, ensuring that more funds are directed towards essential services like education, healthcare, and elderly care [3]. Group 4: Long-term Mechanisms for Investment - "Investment in people" requires long-term and systematic efforts, including establishing stable fiscal mechanisms that align with population movements and development needs [4]. - Local government performance evaluation systems should incorporate metrics related to human capital accumulation and public welfare improvements [4][5]. - Collaborative efforts among government, enterprises, and society are essential for building infrastructure in education, healthcare, and elderly care sectors [5].