Bridging global trends and national realities: The 4r-model for Ukrainian higher education sustainable development

Abstract

The key global trends in higher education are digital transformation, AI, internationalization, a focus on results and cost-effectiveness, and the negative demographic situation. The above-mentioned global trends in higher education in Ukraine are further amplified and superimposed on national specifics and the war, which cause difficulties in implementing offline education in some regions, suppression of motivation for higher education due to the population’s psycho-emotional state, and a lack of funding and grants in education. The challenge is to overcome the large gap between political educational trends (digitalization, introduction of competitive and operational financing of Ukrainian universities, public openness and accountability, internationalization) and the institutional and financial capabilities of Ukrainian universities. The purpose of this article is to identify key actions in higher education policy that will combine global trends and Ukrainian realities to enhance the sustainability, quality, and financial independence of higher education institutions. The article identifies the main global trends in financing, management, governance, and the assessment of education quality, and develops the key measures most relevant to Ukraine in the context of war and future reconstruction. Higher education policies are coordinated taking into account regional asymmetries, demographic decline and new competencies. The article summarizes a systematic review of scientific publications and policy documents on the main trends in the management, financing, and quality assurance of higher education worldwide, and attempts to combine global practices with local needs. Based on the analysis, a conceptual 4R-Model was proposed to reconcile global trends with Ukrainian realities and outline four key areas of higher education development. The 4R model, formed on the basis of research into global trends and analysis of the main challenges of modern higher education, can be used as a basis for developing a long-term strategy for sustainable recovery and development of the nation’s intellectual potential in the field of higher education and used in decision-making by state bodies, international institutions, and universities. Harmonization of global trends with Ukrainian realities allows synergy achieving sustainable development.