Russian universities: analysis of structural changes, challenges and development trends

Abstract

The higher education system of the Russian Federation has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years, and the President of the Russian Federation has set ambitious university development goals: by 2030, world-class scientific, educational and research centres are to be established (Instruction of the President No. Pr-589, 1a dated March 28, 2020), a network of modern campuses is to be set up and university dormitories are to be constructed, overhauled or reconstructed (Instruction of the President No. Pr-419 1g, z dated March 17, 2021).

Starting this year, an increase in the number of students at the Russian universities is projected, which is primarily related to demographic indicators.

The article analyzes changes in the structure of Russian universities and suggests development forecasts, classifies the universities depending on the organizational form and categories, founders and subordination, involvement in the ongoing projects and programmes. The development trends of the universities, both private and public, their assets are outlined. The case of the Russian University of Transport illustrates the existing challenges and trends in the development of the state university related to the university's asset complex.