<![CDATA[Regional human capital development represents a critical factor in sustainable economic growth and competitiveness, particularly in emerging market contexts experiencing rapid industrialization. This qualitative descriptive study explores how educational leadership contributes to regional human capital development in Banten Province, Indonesia. Through multi-stakeholder qualitative inquiry involving 25 participants across educational institutions, industry, government, and community sectors, this research identifies six key educational leadership practices that systematically support workforce readiness, talent formation, and regional competitiveness. Thematic analysis using triangulation protocols (source, method, and theory) reveals that transformational leadership, ecosystem development, curriculum innovation, and strategic stakeholder collaboration function as integrated mechanisms linking educational leadership to human capital outcomes. The integrated Educational Leadership–Human Capital Development Framework positions educational leaders as strategic regional actors whose visionary practices, collaborative approaches, and commitment to competency development directly enhance labor market alignment and regional prosperity. This research extends Human Capital Theory and Educational Leadership Theory by demonstrating that educational leadership operates not merely as an organizational phenomenon but as a strategic mechanism for regional human capital systems strengthening. Practical implications address educational leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and workforce development practitioners seeking to strengthen regional competitiveness through coordinated educational leadership initiatives. This study contributes novel empirical evidence from an emerging market context, filling a significant research gap regarding educational leadership's role in regional development beyond school and university boundaries.]]>
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