The Impact of Intelligent Development on Human Capital: Evidence from a Mediating Effects Analysis

This research investigates the impact of intelligent development on human capital by employing a mediating effects analysis. The analysis encompasses six columns, each examining a different aspect of the relationship.

In column (1), income serves as the independent variable, and the coefficient of intelligent development is found to be significantly positive at the 1% level. This suggests that intelligent development has a positive effect on average income.

Column (2) utilizes human capital flow as the independent variable, revealing a significantly negative coefficient for intelligent development at the 1% level. Conversely, the coefficient of income is significantly positive at the 1% level. These findings imply that intelligent development leads to the outflow of human capital, while an increase in income can attract the inflow of human capital. Moreover, the absolute value of the coefficient demonstrates that the attractiveness of an increase in income outweighs the negative impact of intelligent development on human capital flow.

Column (3) examines human capital mismatch as the independent variable. The coefficients of the mediating variables, income and human capital mobility, both pass the 1% significance test. This confirms that intelligent development can effectively address human capital mismatch through two mediating channels: increasing income and facilitating human capital mobility.

In column (4), the independent variable is income gap, and the regression results indicate that intelligent development widens the income gap. This suggests a potential trade-off between economic growth and income inequality.

Column (5) reveals that a widening income gap has a negative impact on human capital, leading to human capital outflow. This aligns with the observed relationship between income inequality and human capital mobility.

Finally, column (6) confirms that intelligent development widens the income gap, causing human capital mobility. This mobility, in turn, alleviates the mediating path of human capital mismatch. This finding highlights the complex interplay between intelligent development, income inequality, and human capital dynamics.

The study contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted effects of intelligent development on human capital. It demonstrates that while intelligent development can promote economic growth and improve average income, it also has implications for human capital flow and income inequality. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to harness the benefits of intelligent development while mitigating its potential negative consequences on human capital.