Introduction

Currently, the issue of improving the well-being of the population is one of the most important priorities of the socio-economic development of each country. Improving the standard of living and quality of life of the population directly depends on the efficiency of the country's economy, the development of social institutions and the competitiveness of human capital. Higher education services play a special role in the formation of human capital [1].

The higher education system is not only a means of training qualified specialists, but also an important factor in developing the intellectual potential of society, expanding innovative activity and ensuring socio-economic well-being. The abundance of highly educated personnel has a significant impact on the country's economic stability, labor productivity and scientific and technological progress [2].

In recent years, large-scale reforms have been implemented in the higher education system in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In particular, the number of higher education institutions is increasing, new areas of study are being introduced, international cooperation is expanding, and students have more opportunities to study abroad. All this serves to strengthen the social activity of the population, meet the demand for qualified specialists in the labor market, and increase the level of general well-being. Therefore, one of the urgent issues is the scientific study of the role and importance of higher education services in the well-being of the country's population. This study analyzes the economic and social aspects of the higher education system, its impact on the well-being of the population, existing problems, and development prospects [3][4].

Today, ensuring the well-being of the population and its sustainable increase is one of the main priorities of the country's development. The formation and development of human capital plays a decisive role in this process. Education, in particular, higher education services, which are the main component of human capital, directly affect the standard of living of the population [5].

Higher education services contribute to well-being in several ways. First, highly educated personnel are in high demand in the labor market, and their incomes are also high. This contributes to an increase in the total income and quality of life of the population. Second, higher education develops intellectual potential and strengthens innovative activity in society. Innovations, in turn, help increase production efficiency and ensure economic stability. Third, higher education services increase social activity, broaden the consciousness of the population, and play an important role in building a democratic society [6].

In recent years, large-scale reforms have been implemented in the field of higher education in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In particular, new higher education institutions have been established, branches of foreign universities have been opened, and curricula have been updated in line with modern requirements. As a result, the coverage of higher education has significantly increased, and the population's opportunities for obtaining knowledge have expanded. This serves as an important foundation for improving the well-being of the country's population [7].

International experience shows that one of the main reasons for the high level of well-being in developed countries is the high level of coverage of the population by higher education and the high quality of education. In this regard, further development of higher education services in Uzbekistan, their adaptation to international standards and improvement of the quality of education are one of the most important conditions for increasing the well-being of the population [8].

Methodology

We used a qualitative and analytical research design in this study to explore the role of university services in improving the well-being of the population. The methodology is built on the comprehensive activity of analyzing national reforms in the higher education system of Uzbekistan, recognized against the background of comparative experience of other countries. Data were based on official statistics, governmental reports, and secondary sources including scientific literature, policy documents, and international indicators. Their assessment analysed and focused on the economic and social efficiency of higher education, considering its impact on employment, income, labor market and human development indicators. The quantitative data received indicators such as the share of higher education services in GDP, employment rates of graduates of higher education institutions, investment levels in the sector, and life expectancy across countries with varying levels of higher education development. It enabled the research to assess both the direct and indirect effects of education on welfare. It also included a comparative analysis to show differences with those countries that have an education system at a high level, as a result gave those gaps and preferences. The research method involved mixing quantitative data with qualitative description and explanation to provide a richer picture of the relationship between higher education reform and social welfare, economic development, and human capital development. The methodology combined national context with international benchmarks to ensure that findings were sound, valid, and meaningful, while providing pragmatic guidance to enhance the relation between education quality and population welfare.

Analysis and Results

Higher education is an important component of human development, plays a key role in solving important socio-economic problems of society. The view of education as an integral part of human life and an important means of realizing its important place in the life of society has changed over the centuries, that is, from ancient times to the modern multipolar world [9]. However, the role of higher education in this regard has often been considered from a spiritual and intellectual point of view. In the middle of the 20th century, higher education, as a rigid and closed system, was one of the important components of the state system of a particular country [10]. It played a leading role in increasing the well-being of the country's population, mainly in the production of quality products and services, and in increasing labor productivity. At the end of the 20th century, higher education services had a significant impact on the qualitative improvement of the living standards of humanity and the rapid development of the national economy. This sector is closely linked to other sectors of the national economy, which mutually influence each other's development. The rapid development of education in recent years has made it one of the most important factors in the development of man and society [11].

In our opinion, the method of assessing the role of higher education services in increasing the well-being of the country's population should reflect all the above-mentioned phenomena and processes [12]. In scientific literature and articles, the assessment of the role and competitiveness of higher education services in increasing the well-being of the country's population is mainly expressed in several indicators (Table 1).

The indicators presented in Table 1, on the one hand, describe the place of higher education services in the national economy, and on the other hand, they also reflect the provision of quality services to the population. Most importantly, it is possible to determine how many people can be employed in the sector [13]. In addition, our research has determined the following indicators of the well-being of the population of the country by higher education services:

Firstly, the well-being of the population in the country can be assessed by the longevity of the population (Table 2). Usually, an educated person takes care of his health, takes care of himself, uses medical preventive measures well, lives a mainly healthy lifestyle, identifies the disease in a timely manner, provides himself with first aid, can seek qualified medical help, etc. The data in Table 2 show that countries with a rapidly developing higher education system within their national economies and productively using its potential for the country's development have very high life expectancy [14].

For example, in Great Britain, the average life expectancy is 81 years, and in Italy, it is 82 years. In other countries, it is also above 75 years. Only in countries where higher education services are just developing and have begun to use its capabilities, including the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the average life expectancy of the population increases from 72 to 75 years. In countries where higher education services are not developed, the life expectancy of the population is much lower. For example, in Somalia, the life expectancy of the population is only 55 years. This, in turn, indicates that the population of this country does not pay attention to their health, does not have an idea of ​​​​a healthy lifestyle, does not use the benefits of nature and social services, is engaged in physical labor in extremely difficult conditions, and does not comply with sanitary and hygienic rules.

Secondly, the role of higher education services in increasing the well-being of the country's population can be assessed by the level of unemployment. A country with a relatively educated population has relatively wider opportunities for developing production and creating jobs. In such countries, unemployment is usually low and the level of the working-age population moving to other countries in search of work is low. It is easier for an educated person to find a job than for an uneducated person. In all countries, the unemployment rate is always higher among the population with little or no education. A country with a relatively high level of education has more opportunities for developing production and creating jobs. A country with highly educated people, employees who are committed to constantly improving their professional skills and mastering the most complex technologies always attracts the attention of transnational corporations. This is especially noticeable when it comes to the investment policy of companies specializing in the production of high-tech goods and the provision of high-tech general services. Foreign direct investment typically flows to countries with high levels of education, creating new, well-paid jobs. Table 2.3 shows that countries with rapidly developing higher education services and very high literacy rates have lower unemployment rates than the International Labor Organization's target [15].

Our methodological approaches to assessing the role of higher education services in improving the well-being of the country's population, which we have proposed above, first of all, identify the untapped potential of the sector. They also ensure the provision of quality services to consumers.

Conclusion

Higher education services are of great importance in the socio-economic development of the country and ensuring the well-being of the population. Because higher education is the main source of human capital formation, training competitive specialists, implementing innovative ideas in practice, and increasing the intellectual potential of society.

The results of the study show that the development of the higher education system directly affects the employment, income, social activity, and quality of life of the population. Also, the quality of education and its compliance with labor market demand are one of the important factors in improving the well-being of the population.

The ongoing educational reforms in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the opening of new higher education institutions, the expansion of international cooperation, and the introduction of innovative educational approaches are creating a solid foundation for the future development of the country. Therefore, further development of higher education services, improving the quality of education, bringing it into line with international standards, and expanding opportunities for all segments of the population based on the principles of social justice are among the most important conditions for improving the well-being of the country's population.