Innovative Development of Education in the Digital Economy of the Future for Young People: Distance Learning Versus Smart Technologies in Education

Abstract

The paper aims to identify the prospects for innovative development of higher education in the digital economy of the future for young people in Central Asia and Russia by contrasting (and comparing) distance learning with smart technologies in higher education. The research uses the case method regression analysis. The author found that both vectors of innovative development of digital higher education among Central Asian countries are most pronounced in China. It is revealed that in all countries of Central Asia and Russia, both vectors of innovative development of digital higher education are used to benefit young people. The authors show that distance learning and smart technologies in education make almost identical, positive, and pronounced contributions to the popularization of higher education among young people in Central Asia and Russia. The authors recommend providing systematic support for implementing both identified vectors of innovative development of digital higher education in Central Asia and Russia. The comprehensive implementation of both vectors of innovative development of digital higher education will increase the competitiveness of young people in the digital segment of the labor market and slow down the aging of the workforce in Central Asia and Russia.KeywordsInnovative developmentDigital higher educationYouthDistance learningSmart technologies in educationEdTechCentral AsiaRussiaJEL CodesO31O32O33O38J13