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This overview document introduces a research program managed by Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN), the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University (SPS), and Statistics Canada. The program aimed to advance current understanding of: the factors contributing to human capital development (HCD); the connections between the acquisition of human capital and individual and societal outcomes; and the policy implications of these relationships. The program synthesised recent research on HCD in seven different academic disciplines (economics, sociology, psychology, education, public health, economic geography and political science). In each of the seven resulting synthesis reports, the authors identified areas for new research, in particular research that would cross disciplinary boundaries. For the purposes of this research, human capital is defined as ‘skills and knowledge that can be drawn upon by an individual to generate outputs of value’. The ‘outputs of value’ include non-marketable outcomes like civic engagement as well as labour market outcomes. This overview document provides a snapshot of trends in HCD, key findings of the resulting seven synthesis reports, and recommendations for next steps. It also reveals that Canadian primary and high school systems are performing reasonably well in relation to international standards. Access to postsecondary education is also fairly high, although some prospective students encounter barriers. However, Canada’s performance in access to early childhood education and adult learning opportunities is below average. A second phase of research is being planned. This would focus on human capital work that bridges disciplinary boundaries, but is also of practical value to those involved in policy development. Examples of topics for research are provided. The individual synthesis reports are as follows: The effects of deficits in health status in childhood and adolescence on human capital development in early adulthood / Cameron Mustard, Emile Tompa and Jacob Etches; The impact of education on economic and social outcomes: an overview of recent advances in economics / W. Craig Riddell; Increasing adaptive expertise: the next frontier in human capital development / Jacqueline Leighton; Human capital development and education / Robert Crocker; Human capital development and the frontiers of research in the sociology of education / Stephen Morgan and Mark McKerrow; Networking, clusters and human capital development / Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay; Human capital, civic engagement and political participation: turning skills and knowledge into engagement and action / Brenda O’Neill.