Ukrainian higher education reforms: Who is in Charge?

Abstract

In the past two decades, the higher education in Ukraine has not made radical moves, but has instead muddled through reforms of its state-centered system with the post-Soviet academic oligarchy keeping tight control of both the government and the academic market. Despite the frequent classification of Ukrainian higher education as state-centered, privileged scientists and influential para-academics play crucial roles in designing and lobbying initiatives that preserve certain advantages for their own institutions, market niches and legal frameworks. Interviews with leading observers of higher education and policy makers in Ukraine point to confused interpretations of academic roles and responsibilities in the state policy structures. While some of the participants advocate against pervasive ills such as conflicts of interests, breaches of integrity, and cultural disaffiliation in the system, most have scant comprehe...