On October 8, 2024, Ukrainian academic community gathered for an important event – “The Third Mission of Universities” International Workshop. Organized together with European partners, this event became a platform for discussing topical issues of the development of higher education in Ukraine.
The workshop brought together 78 participants from 37 higher education institutions and public organizations from different regions of Ukraine. Such a wide representation testifies to the relevance of the topic and the desire of Ukrainian Universities to join global movement for the development of the third mission.
Diana Spulber, a coordinator of the UNICOM Project from the University of Genova, addressed the participants with a welcome speech. She emphasized the importance of an independent approach of each University in their implementing the third mission, calling for the use of a creativity and critical thinking.
The concept of “The Third Mission of Universities” goes beyond traditional functions of teaching and research. It involves active participation of higher education institutions in solving social problems, social and economic challenges. That is why the topic of the workshop was extremely relevant, because it opened up new horizons of cooperation between Universities, business, public organizations and the authorities.
The participants of the event – representatives of Ukrainian and European Universities, scientists, experts and students – shared their experience, ideas and best practices in the field of implementing the Third Mission. The workshop program was rich and diverse. The participants had an opportunity to take part in discussions, master classes and presentations dedicated to such topical issues as:
- Sustainability and social cohesion: The participants discussed the role of Universities in shaping sustainable development and social cohesion of the society, especially in the face of modern challenges.
- Innovation and socio-economic development: The emphasis was made on Universities’ cooperation with businesses and communities to stimulate innovations and economic growth of the regions.
- Environmentalization and digitalization: The participants discussed the possibilities of Universities in the field of sustainable development and the use of digital technologies to solve social problems.
One of the key conclusions of the workshop was the need to integrate the Third Mission into all fields of the University activity. This involves not only implementation of individual projects, but also systemic changes in educational programs, research activities and interaction with the external environment.
The participants also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Universities, businesses, public organizations and authorities. It is through joint efforts that significant results can be achieved in solving social problems.
“The Third Mission of Universities” workshop became an important step in the development of Ukrainian higher education. It demonstrated that Ukrainian Universities are ready to take an active part in solving social problems and contribute to the country’s development.
What are the next steps?
- Development of strategies: the Universities that participated in the workshop will be able to use the knowledge gained to elaborate their own strategies for the development of the third mission.
- Creation of a network: It is necessary to create a network of Ukrainian Universities that work actively on the implementation of the Third Mission. This will make it possible to exchange experience, support joint initiatives and influence on state policy in the field of education.
- Carrying out further activities: Organization of new conferences, seminars and workshops to discuss current issues and develop joint projects.
- Involvement of international partners: Cooperation with European and other Universities will allow access to new knowledge, technologies and funding.
“The Third Mission of Universities” workshop has become the beginning of a new stage in the development of Ukrainian higher education. The participants of the event expressed confidence that with joint efforts we will be able to make Ukrainian Universities more modern, innovative and society oriented.
