key hallmark of entrepreneurial universities is their active engagement with external resources, including financial, intellectual, commercial assets, as well as practical initiatives. An integral facet of this trend is the formulation of a marketing strategy based on the university’s third mission, which includes developing strategies to attract students, collaborating with the business community and government agencies, partnering with innovative startups, and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial ventures within the university (Leukhova & Korchagina, 2021; Bondarenko, 2022; Pervukhina, 2022).
Several studies have delved into additional university objectives, such as innovative mentoring practices and cultivating students’ competencies in social entrepreneurship, among others (Pastukhova, Lepiavsky, Perepelkin & Fomin, 2021).
To better meet the needs of society and the job market, universities must rethink traditional practices and methods. However, even amid transformation, it remains crucial to uphold academic standards and principles ensuring the quality and reliability of education, including academic integrity, ethical considerations, and the protection of academic freedom.
In essence, global trends and transformations in higher education reflect a commitment to adapting to contemporary challenges and societal needs, thereby creating a more dynamic, flexible, and socially oriented educational system.
TREND 5: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Researchers highlight that digital technologies enable universities to offer online courses and distance learning, expanding the accessibility of education and providing students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world. This promotes education and skills development in various regions (Andronnikova, 2022; Voevodina, 2022; Martynov, 2022).
The “digital divide” in gadget proficiency is considered a form of educational risk, particularly for socially vulnerable populations. Notably, universities can serve as agents of digital transformation, facilitating the inclusion of at-risk groups in the digital society. The primary focus of universities shifts towards developing accessible online education, mass open educational courses, and training for digital professions (Voevodina, 2022).
In the realm of scientific research, digital technologies offer more efficient tools for data collection and analysis, modeling and simulating complex processes, and fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange among peers. These advancements drive innovation, propel scientific discoveries, and contribute to sustainable development across various domains.
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).
Within the university environment, students encounter a mosaic of ideas, perspectives, and cultural values. Educational work aid students in shaping their own values, making independent decisions, and respecting diverse viewpoints.
In addition to the eight research trends delineated, three specific themes have also been identified. These themes, in our view, represent important discourse directions for the exploration of the third mission concept, distinct from the aforementioned trends.
TOPIC 1: ADVANCING CAREER NETWORKS AND CENTERS IN
