Higher education system development in Russia. In search of increasing contribution to socioeconomic transformation

Ch. 6. P. 105–135.

Pavel S. Sorokin, Vyatskaya Y., Chernenko S.

This chapter looks at the transformations of the Russian higher education system with special attention to the most recent years, beginning from 2020. Currently, socioeconomic development is problematic, and the external pressures (international sanctions and risks of “brain drain” as well as social tensions) are unprecedentedly high, which demands that higher education institutions produce a greater impact on economic growth, technological modernization, and social cohesion. Instead of one-sided integration in the international field and adaptation of Western approaches to policies and procedures (i.e., Bologna process), new models of policymaking are principally being launched. The priority for higher education policy now is engaging students and young scholars in both world-class fundamental research and applied projects. Participation in research and development activities becomes an essential and obligatory part of the education process. These are the core features of the program “Priority 2030” (issued in 2021). The chapter further looks at other key initiatives in higher education policy, including the federal project “Platform of University Technological Entrepreneurship” and the “World Class Research Centers” project, demonstrating a variety of ways how higher education institutions are being pushed toward producing more impact by, for instance, generating tens of thousands of students start-ups and launching university start-up studios.

Keywords: BRICS, higher education, Russia in BRICS, transformation of higher education

In book

Transformations of Higher Education in BRICS. Policy, Procedures, and Practice

Abingdon: Routledge, 2025.