The World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Human Capital report proposes a new benchmark for leaders to build the workforces of the future and provides leaders with the means and the tools to navigate changes we are already witnessing from the current wave of automation and transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It emphasises that human capital - defined as the knowledge and skills people possess that enable them to create value in the global economic system - is a key factor for growth, development and competitiveness. Underpinning the report, the Global Human Capital Index reveals that on average, the world has developed only 62% of its human capital or conversely, nations are neglecting or wasting, on average, 38% of their talent. By providing a means of measuring the quantifiable elements of the world's talent potential, the Index aims to shed light on how countries fare on current and potential human capital development and therefore support leaders in assessing current outcomes and developing future strategies.