Abstract: Artificial intelligence is the key technology to promote the improvement of rural human capital and form the dividend of human capital. This paper firstly constructs a three-dimensional analysis framework of “history-theory-practice”, and analyzes the internal logic of artificial intelligence empowering rural human capital under the guidance of the concept of “investing in people”. Secondly, it analyzes the practical application of artificial intelligence in the process of improving rural human capital and the obstacles it faces. Finally, it clarifies the target requirements, main ideas and key tasks of applying artificial intelligence to the promotion of rural human capital. The findings show that: first, the current artificial intelligence technology has been preliminarily applied in the fields of rural school education, vocational skills training and medical and health care, which has promoted the digital transformation of facilities, equipment and service modes, and laid a solid foundation for improving rural human capital. Second, promoting artificial intelligence to empower rural human capital faces practical problems such as mismatch between supply and demand of artificial intelligence technology and high risk of technology application. Third, the 15th Five-Year period should focus on promoting the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and other objectives and requirements, and firmly establish the concept of investment in people. Starting from the key aspects of improving the investment mechanism and improving the level of supervision, we will continue to play the positive role of artificial intelligence in improving rural human capital.

Key words: investing in people, artificial intelligence, human capital, high-quality population development, rural workforce