Abstract
<jats:p>The article discusses the problem of methodological support for the development of human capital as the basis for inclusive growth and development of agro-industrial territories. The paper substantiates the thesis that traditional approaches focused primarily on increasing production indicators are not able to overcome the key challenges of rural areas, namely depopulation, increased inter-district inequality and low transformation of educational investments into real economic benefits. As an alternative, the developed methodological model is proposed, aimed at achieving a synergistic effect between human development and socio-economic development - inclusion. The model is tested through an analysis of the policy of the Republic of Tatarstan using system-integrative, institutional, competence-based and geographically differentiated approaches. The model is based on an institutional approach to the development of human capital in rural Tatarstan through formal and informal norms and rules that affect the institutions of the educational system, health care, social and communal infrastructure, employment, civil society and culture. In conclusion, "methodological gaps" are identified between the high macroeconomic results of the agro-industrial complex and the lack of inclusive growth, and specific recommendations are formulated for reorienting the regional strategy towards human-centered development principles, the practical implementation of which can help transform the industrial success of the Republic of Tatarstan into a model for improving the well-being of every inhabitant of rural areas.</jats:p>