University Research Activities Research Articles

Opportunities to Increase the Efficiency of Universities’ Research and Innovation Activities: Scientometric Evaluation of Researchers' Work under External Information Constraints

The development of research and innovation should be a strategic direction of state policy in the sphere of education. This imposes additional functions connected not only with fundamental and applied research, which is the traditional type of research work of universities, but also with the inclusion of universities' research activities into the unified innovation process of the creation and practical application of new knowledge to obtain new goods or services with new properties. The aim of the article is to determine the ability of international scientometric databases to assess the research and innovation activity of Russian universities. The key research method is regression analysis used to establish the relationship between the Hirsch index values for research papers in the Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The paper shows the possibility and expediency of using Google Scholar to evaluate the results of research and innovation activities of medical universities' faculty. This allows increasing the efficiency of the scientometric evaluation of researchers under external information constraints. This corresponds well to the principles of functioning of an entrepreneurial university. The advantage of Google Scholar is the consideration of Russian-language publications in the indexing.

Reflection Analysis of Resilient and Sustainable Research and Publication Activities at the National University of Science & Technology, Oman during COVID-19

COVID-19 restrictions badly impacted research activities in universities across the globe. This paper aims to reflect on resilient and sustainable research and publication activities related to undergraduate and postgraduate students and funded projects at the National University of Science & Technology, Oman. This study employed structured interviews with 32 staff members of the 3 constituent colleges of the university under study who supervised undergraduate and postgraduate student projects, and 7 staff members who supervised funded projects during COVID-19. Responses were recorded using pre coded interview forms for better and faster analysis. Borton’s reflection model was used for reflective analysis. It was found that, in response to the restrictions implemented, most of the students’ projects were quick in response and changed from experimental studies to online case studies and that objectives were modified. No student project was delayed due to these modifications. Supervisors found online supervision useful and appreciated the university’s support in terms of library access and remote access to lab software. Furthermore, regarding the funded projects, they were completed with success without needing to change the objectives. The findings of this study may be useful in designing suitable staff training, communication strategies, and internal processes for research grant approvals, and for use in preparation of sustainable practices in university research activities.

Competitiveness as a Result of Creativity and Innovation

The aim of this article is to highlight that critical thinking and creativity generate innovation that is at the core of long-term competitiveness. The creation of culture of critical thinking and creativity should start with the education system – in primary and secondary schools, then it should find its way in science and research activities of institutes and universities, and finally, it should be implemented at all business levels – with the purpose of achieving systemic innovation. It is only in the conditions of a strategic education-science-business synergy, in an environment of promoting critical thinking, creativity and innovation, that long-term competitiveness is possible, which can result in large-scale development of nations, societies and businesses. The achieved level of competitiveness should in its turn be protected against external and internal threats by introducing security measures that include the entire system of physical, technical, information and procedure security, while recognizing and protecting intellectual property and trade secrets. In terms of relevance and methodology, this article reviews existing significant challenges to innovation and competitiveness management; questions are proposed demanding further research in the field of regulations, as regards leading innovation in a global context. Conclusions are drawn about the need of strategic synergy of the priorities of state policies in the fields of science, education and business. It is stated that only coordinated long-term prioritization and planning in economy, science and education, which involves development of focused scientific research in priority sectors (industries) and creation of staff predominantly for these priority sectors of national business development, can ensure long-term competitiveness, sustainability and growth.

Innovation management in higher education as a factor of regional economic growth

   Innovation activity in higher education serves as a catalyst for economic growth at the regional level. Modern economic realities require active introduction of scientific and technological achievements in the educational process, which inevitably affects regional economic development. The increasing contribution of higher education institutions to regional economy is due to a number of factors such as education quality improvement, research activities development, and scientific developments commercialization. The Education Development State Program data, examples of the world’s leading universities and reports on the research activities of Russian universities for 2015–2022 have been analyzed, and a multi-parametric assessment of innovative projects effectiveness in higher education carried out. The study included a comparative analysis of investments in scientific research and their impact on the regional gross domestic product, as well as the analysis of scientific developments commercialization cases. Between 2015 and 2022 the amount of funding for scientific research in leading Russian universities increased by 37 %, which was accompanied by an increase in the number of patents by 24 % and commercially successful projects by 18 %. The examples of St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk universities show an increase in direct investment in the regions by 15 and 20 %, respectively, due to scientific developments commercialization. The study also shows that the average growth of regional gross domestic product in regions with active innovation activity in universities amounted to 5.6 % per year.

Virtual Learning Environments as an Assessment Tool in Covid-19 Pandemic

Increasingly, the methods of measurement and evaluation in distance education applications have been discussed in light of the pandemic. In this study, the use of virtual learning environments in higher education as an assessment tool has been examined. The chosen platform for this purpose was the UKEY (Uludağ University Institutional, Educational, and Research Activities Governance System) virtual learning platform. During the 2019-2020 academic year, when the pandemic had a significant impact, online open-ended questions were posed to 46 academics who used the UKEY platform. The preparation of open-ended questions was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT-2). Research was designed as a case study, and the collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis. Member checking method was utilized, and how the themes were interpreted was reviewed through semi-structured interviews with five participants. According to the results of the study, the behavioral intentions of the participants towards using the UKEY platform varied. It was found that the platform partially met performance expectations but required considerable effort. Facilitating conditions had a positive impact on users, and in the context of social influence, student behaviors significantly affected the academics. UKEY had not yet become a habit, and these variables were found to have a significant impact on usage intention. The results of the study were discussed within the framework of concepts such as online anonymity, the integration of technology with a pedagogical perspective, and the need for a paradigm change in education.

Interrelation of practices and strategic routines in the performance of university research

Purpose: This study sheds light on the relationship between two perspectives, the strategy-as-practice (SAP) approach and the dynamic aspect of routines. We seek to understand how the interrelationship between practices and routines reflect on university corporate results. Methodology: We conducted a case study in a postgraduate program in management at a not-for-profit university focusing on university research activities. 42 interviews were carried out, 19 observations were made in formal and informal social events and institutional documents were collected from the program and from the governmental body that regulates stricto sensu postgraduate studies in Brazil. Originality: The existing research suggests the approximation of these perspectives – SAP and dynamic routines – and the need to integrate them to deepen the understanding of the strategic phenomenon. Main Results: Our results indicate that program strategies are aligned with regulatory and funding bodies and multiple practices and routines relate to and complement the range of research performance outcomes. Academic training, previous experiences and specific skills influence the behavior of actors, while tools and interactions play crucial roles in conducting research, shaping approaches and results, essential in academic research. Theoretical contributions: The article contributes through understandings about the existence of different interdependent and complementary relationships in the strategic process of a postgraduate program that condition the behavior of the actors involved and the research performance achieved.

Method of Choice for Pancreatic Enteroanastomosis Formation in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis and Malignant Neoplasms of Pancreas

Introduction. Pancreatic enteroanastomosis formation is a decisive stage of the entire operation, as the frequency of complications leading to death remains high.The aim of the study was to improve the clinical outcomes of surgical interventions on pancreas by choosing the proper technique for pancreatic enteroanastomosis formation.Materials and methods. A retrospective-prospective study was performed in the Center for Surgery of the Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Tracts, Ryazan State Medical University. The retrospective stage included the analysis of 270 operation protocols and case histories of patients undergone pancreatic resection. Based on the analysis, the academic staff of the Department of Hospital Surgery, Ryazan State Medical University, developed a technique for pancreatic jejunoanastomosis via through U-shaped sutures (the modified Blumgart-style pancreaticojejunostomy).The prospective stage included analysis of 98 case histories and operation protocols of patients undergone pancreatic resection. There were 73 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 25 patients with the head of the pancreas cancer. Groups were formed uniformly depending on the etiology.Statistical analysis methods included: multivariate correlation analysis using the contingency coefficient (); Shapiro-Wilk test; Pearson's chi-squared test; one-way ANOVA test and multiple comparison method with Bonferroni correction for Student's t-test.Results. Correlation between the infiltrated pancreas and the frequency of complications - was 0.517.The frequency of anastomosis failure with the PD diameter 3 - was 0.167, with PG3mm - = 0.358.The infiltrated parenchyma of the pancreas and the PD diameter 3 mm affected the incidence of postoperative complications - = 0.387 (PG 3 mm, the incidence of postoperative complications - = 0.254).At the reconstructive stage, patients of group 1 were exposed to pouch-invagination pancreatic enteroanastomosis end-to-side, patients of group 2 were exposed to pancreatic enteroanastomosis using nodular sutures, patients of group 3 were exposed to pancreatic jejunoanastomosis using through U-shaped sutures, the modified Blumgart-style pancreaticojejunostomy. In patients from group 1 complications were observed in 58% of cases, in patients from group 2 complications were observed in 45.4% of cases, in patients from group 3 complications were observed in 20.5% of cases (p=0.010). Pancreatic enteroanastomosis failed in 29% of patients from group 1, and in 21.2% of patients from group 2; in patients from group 3 no pancreatic enteroanastamosis failure was observed (p = 0.003). There were 9.7% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 1, 9.1% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 2, 8.8% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 3 (p = 0.1). Postoperative pancreatitis was observed in 12.9% of patients from group 1, in 9.1% of patients from group 2, in 5.9% of patients from group 3 (p=0.015). Twenty-nine percent of patients from group 1, 18.1% of patients from group 2, 2.9% of patients from group 3 required repeated surgical interventions.Conclusions. In case of through U-shaped sutures application, repeated surgical interventions for pancreatic jejunoanastomosis were performed in 2.9% of cases, the rate of postoperative complications was 20.5%, no anastomosis failure was observed.Pancreatic jejunoanastomosis using through U-shaped sutures has proven to be more effective compared to other pancreatic enteroanastomosis techniques applied in clinical practice. It can be used in educational and pedagogical and research activities in medical universities.

Russian Universities as Actors of Arctic Science Diplomacy

Abstract. This article examines the role of Russian universities in emerging and further developing Arctic science diplomacy (ASD). According to authors, in the current geopolitical conditions Russian universities are significant ASD actors which perform a number of important functions for the organization of international scientific cooperation with foreign countries and making a positive image of Russia in the world. The paper uses a systemic approach to identify Russian universities’ contribution to the ASD development through various mechanisms: joint research projects and publications with foreign partners, the organization of international events on the Arctic issues and participation in prestigious international conferences on the Arctic research area, joint polar expeditions (land and maritime), and participation of Russian scientists in international Arctic scientific organizations, etc. The university ASD is exemplified by the Russian leading universities – St. Petersburg State University, Moscow State University, Northern (Arctic) Federal University, etc. The study demonstrated that maintaining a dialogue on an ongoing basis within the framework of research and educational activities of universities can contribute to the systematic establishment of cooperation in other areas of international relations, the search for innovative solutions for the benefit of the development of the entire Arctic region.

Mutual enhancement or one‐way street: The intended synergy between research and education of Dutch universities of applied sciences

AbstractThe integration of research activities in universities of applied sciences (UASs) has led to the transformation of these universities into organisations with two primary processes: research and education. Although many believe in the benefits of combining research and education in one organisation, which is referred to as synergy in this study, research–education synergies have rarely been empirically investigated, particularly in the UAS context. Thus, this research investigates the intended synergy between the research and education of UASs by conducting a document analysis of their university‐wide strategic policy. The findings show that UASs aim for synergies among people, UAS organisations and outside UAS organisations, with a focus on education‐oriented synergies. This study provides an initial understanding of the strategic aims of UASs considering research–education synergy. The findings provide direction and a framework for future research and form a base for making explicit strategic choices for research–education connections in universities.

Evolution of Theoretical Approaches and Ways to Ensure the Responsibility of University Research Activities in the Context of Implementing the “Open Science” Concept

Evolution of Theoretical Approaches and Ways to Ensure the Responsibility of University Research Activities in the Context of Implementing the “Open Science” Concept

The Impact of Digitalization on the Sustainable Development of Ukraine: COVID-19 and War Challenges for Higher Education

Higher Education plays an important role in ensuring the Sustainable Development of the countries. The purpose of the article is to systematize scientific approaches to the study of the impact of digitalization on ensuring the Sustainable Development of Ukraine and its regions in the conditions of modern COVID-19 and military challenges. The methodological basis of this study is a systematic approach, as well as general and special scientific research methods, namely: systematic analysis and generalization, grouping, induction and deduction, abstract-logical, scientific abstraction and modeling, graphic methods. The authors verified that Higher Education has a tangible positive impact on the dynamics of Sustainable Development of Ukraine and its regions. First of all, this influence is carried out through the educational and research activities of universities. The article emphasizes that it was digitalization that allowed universities to maintain their competitive positions in the educational services market in the conditions of COVID-19 and war challenges.

Risk-based Regulation of Russian Universities: Risk Indicators and Their Use for State Control Purposes

The article is devoted to the identification and analysis of indicators of the risk of low-quality education in Russian universities. In 2021-2022, the approach to higher education inspections has changed significantly: accreditation monitoring has been introduced, it includes eight indicators. However, this monitoring was formed by the expert community, so the results of its testing in practice have yet to be analyzed. The purpose of this work is to identify risk factors for estimation the likelihood of violations of mandatory requirements by universities, and to develop recommendations for expanding the set of risk indicators included in accreditation monitoring. The main methods used in the work are methods of quantitative analysis, including econometric modeling. The novelty of the work is determined by the approach used: risk indicators are identified using a quantitative econometric analysis of data on the observed characteristics and results of inspections of Russian universities in 2015-2019. The results of the study indicate the possibility of supplementing the set of accreditation monitoring indicators. As additional indicators, first of all, various characteristics of research activities of universities can be used. Such a change in accreditation monitoring will increase its effectiveness as a preliminary assessment tool used in the implementation of a risk-based approach to state control. In cases where the assessment of even extended monitoring is ambiguous, the quantitative model proposed by the authors can be used.

Exploration and Innovation of Diversified Paths for Teaching and Research Activities in Universities: Taking the Organic Chemistry Teaching and Research Office at Shanxi Agricultural University as an Example

Exploration and Innovation of Diversified Paths for Teaching and Research Activities in Universities: Taking the Organic Chemistry Teaching and Research Office at Shanxi Agricultural University as an Example

Funding the Higher Education System: International Experience and Russian Practice

Relevance. Education is a significant factor in economic growth. However, the discussion about the principles for distributing higher education funding is still open, and the cases of individual countries are not sufficiently covered in research literature. Research objective. The study aims to determine the principles of financing based on the case studies of Russian universities. Foreign financing mechanisms are analyzed and compared with Russian practice that has similar foundations. Financing mechanisms are classified according to their distribution principle. Data and methods. The statistical base for the study is the data of a large-scale higher education monitoring project of 2019-2021. The study was conducted in more than 650 Russian universities. In order to determine the principles of financing, a correlation analysis is carried out to identify the correlation between the indicators. Universities are grouped by regions with different socio-economic characteristics, subgroups of universities within the regional division were identified. Results. The distribution of funding among Russian universities is based on the principles of quasi-competition and equalization. Universities located in regions with low indicators of socio-economic development are mainly financed to achieve equalization of educational activities, and, as the socio-economic situation in the region improves, funding is channeled into equalization of research activities. Another more obvious conclusion is that research activities of universities that participate in state programs are funded based on competition, while other universities have lower correlation between indicators, which leads us to the assumption that other universities’ research activities are funded based on the principles of equalization. Conclusions. The novelty of the study is the results that enrich the understanding of the principles for funding distribution in the Russian higher education system. Contrary to most studies of the concentration of resources around a limited number of institutions, the study concludes that resources and funding are distributed based on equalization, supporting the less competitive units of the system, and directing funding to regions with less stable socio-economic characteristics.

The strategy of implementing effective scientific research management system in colleges using DEA method under the analysis of multiple cases

As the priority direction of modern university research activities, research management is an important factor that directly affects the ability to stimulate the potential of university research activities and improve its competitiveness in the field of education. Therefore, modern universities must implement advanced scientific research management concepts, innovate, optimize and improve the contents and methods of scientific research management, improve the scientific research management system, provide high-quality services for scientific researchers, and meet the needs of scientific research success. This paper will analyze and study the case analysis and data collection of the innovation and development of university scientific research management, combined with the effectiveness of the case analysis strategy. The results show that the strategy has good effect in scientific research management and has broad application prospects.

Теоретичні засади та підходи до модернізації закладів вищої освіти на базі концепції сталого розвитку

In recent years, higher education institutions have been developing under the influence of atypical, unpredictable, powerful exogenous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant transformations in the educational, research, and international activities of universities, transferring most communications to an online format (distance learning, remote work, meetings with colleagues and communication with partners in the form of video conferencing, making use of modern digital technologies). With the beginning of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, educational institutions are suffering enormous losses both in human capital (departure of scientific and pedagogical staff and students of higher education abroad, mobilization, injury, captivity, death of both employees and students) and in material and technical support (damage or destruction of buildings, laboratories, destruction or theft of equipment, etc.). The authors of the article note that the post-war modernization of Ukrainian universities should be implemented on the basis of the conception of sustainable development, covering various areas of their activities, and not limited exclusively to restoration to the pre-war state. The aim of the article is to systematize scientific approaches to the study of the processes of modernization of higher education institutions on the basis of the conception of sustainable development. To achieve the goal, the method of content analysis was used to study scientific publications of foreign scientists devoted to the study of various aspects of sustainable development of higher education institutions. On the basis of the carried out study, the following main groups of scientific approaches have been allocated: institutional, material-ecological, process, experimental-search, stakeholder (partnership), and structural-functional approaches. The authors conclude that, given the multifaceted nature of the processes of modernization of higher education institutions on the basis of the conception of sustainable development, it appears more balanced to apply an integrated approach to the related research work.

Selected case studies regarding research-based education in the area of machine and civil assemblies

The paper presents selected case studies in the area of research and teaching activities focused on technical assemblies. The aim of the work is to discuss the current trends in assembly-related research activities in partner universities of the EDURES project and to present teaching methodology related to the research. Due to the great importance of research-based education for innovative teaching methodology, research utilization into teaching process is addressed in the paper as a priority of modern teaching, which uses digital platforms and is focused on fast dissemination of the research results among both researchers and higher education students.

Tendencies in the development of student research activities in ukrainian universities (XIX – early XXI centuries)

Tendencies in the development of student research activities in ukrainian universities (XIX – early XXI centuries)

The Impact of Knowledge Spillover from Universities in Sichuan-Chongqing Region on Regional Innovation Capacity

As an important subject of the regional innovation system, the scientific research activities of universities are not only the power source of talent cultivation and knowledge innovation but also an important force to promote regional innovation development. This paper examines the influence relationship between knowledge spillover from universities in Sichuan province and Chongqing city and regional innovation capacity from the aspects of teaching and research personnel input, research and development personnel input in research input, monographs, academic papers, technology transfer contracts and transfer income in research output. The results show that the improvement of the innovation capacity in Sichuan province and Chongqing city depends on the increase of teaching and research personnel input and the number of scientific and technological topics in universities, while other indirect scientific research results do not contribute significantly to the regional innovation capacity; further mechanism analysis reveals that the knowledge spillover from universities mainly promotes the improvement of regional innovation capacity through human capital, physical capital, and scientific and technological innovation.

Automating the formation of statistical data on the results of research activities of the university

The paper considers the formation of the concept of scientific research (SR) of universities with the task of developing an automated tool for evaluating its results. Modern requirements and trends in the organization and management of scientific research work in universities are given. The role of information support and measurement procedures in assessing the results of scientific research are emphasized. The necessity of automating the processes and reporting data of university scientific research is substantiated. An analysis of works and publications on the automation of assessment of research work of universities is provided. Names of university research activity report data are systematized and described. The model of the process of forming the university research reports is presented, which will ensure the effectiveness of information support of scientific research.