The author emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to developing a strategy for the improving of human resources, combining innovations (determined by global trends in innovative development) and traditions (best practices and achievements of the Soviet system of science and education). Special attention is paid to the need of development of system of secondary professional education in accordance with the new requirements of the digital economy within the so-called model of dual education which is most useful in the context of the implementation of the Russian innovative development strategy.