International Educational and R&D Integration: Trends and Challenges for Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/scine21.05.003Keywords:
knowledge economy, education internationalization, scientific and technical cooperation, academic mobility, scientific integration, Ukraine, European Research AreaAbstract
Introduction. In the context of the knowledge-based economy, technology and information have become key
drivers of economic development, underscoring the growing importance of international educational and research integration.
Problem Statement. Integration into the global educational and R&D landscape is not an end in itself. Rather, it shall serve as a means to enhance national competitiveness in strategic sectors and to strengthen the global positioning of the national economy.
Purpose. This study aims to identify pathways and mechanisms for advancing Ukraine’s integration into the
global educational and R&D space, with consideration of current risks to the country’s human capital and the
strategic priorities of national economic development.
Materials and Methods. The research has employed comparative analysis, interdisciplinary synthesis, and a
dialectical approach. The data analyzed span 2013—2023 and include sources from the UNESCO Institute for
Statistics, the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine, Horizon 2020 program reports, the European Commission’s
assessment of Ukraine’s national research and innovation system, and reports by the National University of KyivMohyla Academy.
Results. The study has identified key mechanisms for Ukraine’s integration into the international educational
and research environment. These include: (1) the development of international R&D cooperation; (2) the internationalization of higher education; and (3) institutional support for academic mobility. These mechanisms have been shaped by the country’s unique circumstances, particularly the impact of pandemic-related restrictions and the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion.
Conclusions. Major trends in international educational and research integration include the expansion of academic mobility, the convergence of research and education through university participation in global projects and programs, increased engagement of Ukrainian scholars in international publishing, and the continued advancement of distance education and research. Key challenges include rising emigration, the proliferation of remote employment, constrained public funding, underdeveloped alternative funding sources for research, and safety concerns — all of which threaten the retention of human capital essential for innovation. The findings underscore the need for a coherent national policy aimed at leveraging international integration to secure long-term R&D and educational advantages for Ukraine.
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