Key words: innovation, innovation policy, innovation model, Republic of South Africa, BRICS, Russia In the modern world, human capital is at the heart of modernization and accelerated economic growth. HUMAN CAPITAL AND INNOVATION It is believed that an increase in human capital by 1% leads to an acceleration in the growth rate of per capita GDP by 1-3%1. In this sense, South Africa faces difficult tasks related to the formation of high-quality national human capital. Moreover, efforts have to be made on the entire front of problems-from the system of basic education to the training of highly qualified personnel and highly specialized technically competent workers in real production sectors. In the Republic of South Africa, a special place is given to educational programs of the population. This is confirmed by the fact that the country occupies one of the leading positions in the world in terms of public investment in this area - about 5.3% of GDP and 20% of total public expenditures of the country2 are spent. The entire population of South Africa has the right to basic education, including basic adult education and advanced training. In accordance with the country's Constitution, the State has undertaken to gradually make this education available to the public. The national qualification system of South Africa divides education into three groups: general, professional and higher education. Education at the school lasts 13 years - from "zero" (class "R") to grade 12 ("matric"), upon completion of which a certificate of maturity is issued. Primary education is divided into grades from "zero" to 9th. According to the 1996 law, education is compulsory up to the 9th grade. General education also includes adult education. Vocational education takes place from grades 10 to 12. It includes professionally-oriented education and training in technical colleges of all kinds. At the end of this period of study, students receive a diploma and a qualification certificate 3. From ... Read more