The Creative Sector of the Innovative Educational Environment Among Universities of Culture

Abstract

The article substantiates the need to develop new methodological approaches to the study of creative industries, the development of which in the conditions of digitalization in higher education institutions of culture and art occupies a significant place. The authors outline the range of problems in order to bring them out of the category of secondary problems, focusing the attention of the scientific community on innovations in universities of culture that change the perception of their role in the socio-economic development of territories. The focus on innovative processes and active implementation of new digital technologies forms the basis for the creation of a modern educational ecosystem. The emergence of such systems involves critical reflection on the effectiveness of scientific and technological changes and unintended consequences for society, as well as the analysis of successful practices and positive experience. Using Kazan State Institute of Culture as an example, the authors describe the specifics of creating and operating an Engineering Center, a Prototyping Centre, the emergence of business start-ups, and research in creative higher education in general. The prospects of participation of educational ecosystems in the modernization of the region are assessed as positive, receiving socio-economic support that meets the strategic objectives of territorial development. According to the authors, under the conditions of digitalization, only in combination with the traditional practices of cultural, leisure, performing, and library activities, which are carefully protected and reproduced in the process of education in universities, is it possible to implement the strategy of the state cultural policy of Russia as a condition for the preservation of the diversity of its original culture and civilizational identity. The conclusion is made about a fundamentally new qualification passport for a graduate of a university of culture and art, who is ready to meet the challenges of the digital age, which increases his/her competitiveness in the labour market.