International competitiveness of domestic higher education institutions: problems and prospects

Abstract

Among the key factors in the global competitiveness of universities, the author highlights the strategically important role of the state. Based on statistics, the levels of public and private spending on higher education and quality indicators of higher education in 50 countries, as well as the presence of national universities in these countries in the global rankings were analyzed. The optimal parameters of public and private expenditures per student have been identified, the achievement of which contributes to the formation of world-class national universities and the provision of high quality education. The main factors that support and limit the growth of the competitive potential of Ukrainian universities are identified. The political priorities, strategic goals and directions of the state policy in the scientific and educational sphere, which should promote the formation of highly competitive universities in Ukraine, are systematized. A globally competitive university is a higher education institution capable of occupying and maintaining a stable position in certain segments of the global market of educational services and intellectual products through effective implementation of intellectual potential, developed innovation system and sufficient financial resources to ensure high level and quality of teaching and research. Thus, the global competitiveness of universities is due to their international competitive advantages in conducting research, providing educational services and performing important social tasks. A university becomes globally competitive when it can attract talented researchers, teachers and students, has sufficient material and financial resources and a modern infrastructure base, and operates within an effective management model. In conditions of limited resources for the formation of competitive universities, institutional and financial support from the state is critically important, designed to contribute to the modernization of the university sector and its qualitative evolutionary development. Universities in countries where combined national strategies for the development of competitive universities are successfully implemented and where the costs of higher education per student are relatively high are gaining global competitive advantages.