PRIORITY AREAS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the in-depth study of priority areas of higher educational institutions international cooperation, which involves directing the international activities of Ukrainian HEIs to expand international partnerships with HEIs of different countries, as well as with diplomatic missions of Ukraine abroad in order to increase opportunities for academic mobility of scientific and pedagogical staff as well as students, and attract foreign investments for their development. It is emphasized that among the important values of the European Higher Education Area and the principles of the Bologna Declaration defined by the Paris Communiqué, the following are distinguished: academic freedom, academic integrity, institutional autonomy, participation of students and staff in the governance of higher education, public responsibility for higher education, and public accountability of higher education. Institutional autonomy is highlighted as one of the key values in higher education, which implies the ability of higher educational institutions to determine their own priorities regarding the strategic direction of the institution’s activities. Attention is focused on priority areas of international cooperation: increase in Framework Agreements on Cooperation with HEIs of different countries; increase in opportunities for academic mobility; expansion of cooperation with international networks, platforms, organizations, associations; cooperation with diplomatic missions. It is emphasized that international cooperation in the field of higher education should be implemented on the basis of key values that are recognized and adhered to by all participants in the educational space, namely: airness; transparency; support; responsibility; diversity; a friendly approach. It is noted that an important component of international cooperation in the field of higher education is scientific and educational diplomacy, and constant cooperation with educational platforms and networks is necessary to develop the potential of Ukrainian higher educational institutions. The emphasis is on the need to increase the University’s Framework Agreements, which is dictated by the requirements for scientific and pedagogical staff to undergo internships abroad, participate in international conferences, seminars, round tables, and conduct scientific research at foreign higher educational institutions.