Humanities & Social Sciences 11 (2016 9) 2706-2727 ~ ~ ~ УДК 304:332.14:338.2 Human Potential and Quality of Life in Siberian Regions: from Degradation to Growth Anton V. Efi mov and Valerii S. Efi mov* Siberian Federal University 79 Svobodny, Krasnoyarsk, 660041, Russia Received 07.07.2016, received in revised form 16.08.2016, accepted 21.09.2016 Based on statistical data, the analysis shows that there has been a signifi cant decline in human potential and quality of life in Siberia in the course of the last two decades in comparison with the average indices. <...> The results of the analysis prove that human potential and quality of life in Siberia in recent decades have been in steady decline: there is a reduction in the relative size of the Siberians’ income; the number of the poor in the Siberian federal district exceeds the average values; in general the gap between Siberia and Russia has been increasing as per the mortality rate on social grounds (the number of suicides and alcohol poisonings per 100 thousand people); a lower share of people with higher education in Siberian economy is still preserved in comparison with the average indices. <...> There is still a higher level of crime in Siberia as compared to the average for Russia. <...> In recent years there has been a signifi cant growth of “violent” crime indices (murders, rapes, robberies) as compared to the average values. <...> The revealed tendencies show that in recent years there has been displacement of Siberia to the periphery of the country’s economic, social and cultural development. <...> The article analyzes the conditions of “human capitalization”, current situation of human capital and potential in Russia and Siberia. <...> The situation, developing in Russia, does not in many respects favour the population’s entrepreneurial and social activity that is manifested in sharp slowdown in the country’s economic development within the period of 2012-2015. <...> The following provisions of the human capital growth policy in the Siberian federal district are formulated: – human capital development is a priority of Siberia’s strategic development; – a priority of the human capital increase policy is to support social activity and entrepreneurship; – the subjects of the federation should have wide powers and opportunities for human capital development in the regions; – it is necessary to expand a range of demographic <...>