Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

The “digital divide” in gadget proficiency is considered a form of educational risk. Universities can serve as agents of digital transformation, facilitating the inclusion of at-risk groups in the digital society.

In this light, digital technologies assume a pivotal role in the evolution of universities and their alignment with sustainable development goals. They enhance educational accessibility, elevate research standards, and optimize resource management.

TREND 6: INTERDISCIPLINARITY AND INTEGRATION

This trend underscores the importance of fostering cooperation and interaction among diverse disciplines and knowledge domains within universities. It also emphasizes the involvement of external partners, industries, and the broader community (Vodenko, 2022; Pavlova & Nguyen, 2022; Brylina, I. V. & Brylin, 2022; Chupina, 2022; Lizunov, Soloviov & Kobzar, 2022; Zaitseva, 2021).

Authors conclude that interdisciplinarity entails amalgamating knowledge, methodologies, and approaches from various fields to address intricate problems and challenges. Universities endeavor to create an environment conducive to cross-faculty and departmental collaboration and knowledge exchange. This can be realized through collaborative interdisciplinary programs, research initiatives, and educational endeavors.

Integration, on the other hand, pertains to establishing collaborative relationships and interactions with external entities such as businesses, governmental bodies, and civic organizations. Universities aspire to become active contributors to innovation ecosystems, where the academic community collaborates with entrepreneurs, experts, and government representatives. Such partnerships facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise and spawn fresh opportunities for research, development, and the commercialization of ideas.

TREND 7: EDUCATIONAL WORK WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY AND STUDENTS’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

This research direction emerged in 2023, heralding a paradigm shift. Here, the fulfillment of the university’s third mission is viewed through the lens of student’s personal development. Emotional support and constructive guidance are indispensable for students to thrive and evolve into successful professionals and responsible citizens.

This approach has a positive influence on students, empowering them to recognize their strengths, surmount limitations, and aspire to self-improvement.

As researchers point out, the cultivation of values stands as a pivotal facet of educational work. Within the university environment, students encounter a mosaic of ideas, perspectives, and cultural values. Educational initiatives aid students in analyzing, contrasting, and shaping their own values, making independent decisions, and respecting diverse viewpoints. Citizenship and social responsibility play pivotal roles in nurturing students as proactive contributors to society. Educational work contributes to the development of civic and social skills and instills in students a sense of responsibility towards society and their fellow citizens (Sorokin, 2023; Nalivaiko, 2023; Panchuk, Samsonova & Kim, 2023).

Furthermore, educational work hones students’ teamwork and leadership competencies — skills crucial for professionals who must navigate interpersonal dynamics in their chosen fields. Collectively, these dimensions of educational work empower students not only to acquire a high-quality education but also to blossom as well-rounded and socially responsible individuals capable of making a positive impact on society.

TREND 8: INTERACTION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AND URBAN COMMUNITIES

University campuses are envisioned as dynamic, social, and cultural hubs with the potential to significantly influence urban communities. Research in this domain aims to identify opportunities for universities to enhance urban environments, cultivate partnerships, and contribute to socio-economic progress.

Interaction between universities and urban communities can take diverse forms, including the organization of public events, granting local residents access to university resources, and establishing hubs of near-university activity. Researchers employ investigative approaches to assess the potential of university campuses, their role in environmental development, and the optimization of their interactions with urban communities (Vinogradova, Ivanova & Blinova, 2023; Afanasyeva & Bozhinov, 2023).