The University as an Architect of the Educational and Production Ecosystem

  Focusing on Tver State Technical University (TvSTU), the paper analyzes the implementation of an «educational and production ecosystem architect» strategy between 2020 and 2025. The empirical base combines content analysis of 27 educational programs (bachelor’s, master’s, continuing professional education), 16 in-depth interviews with peat industry executives (n = 8), faculty members (n = 6), and research staff (n = 2), alongside surveys of 112 engineering graduates and 42 employers.  Authors identify a paradox: while 91 % of employers express satisfaction with graduates’ fundamental technical training, 68 % report a sharp deficit in managerial and entrepreneurial competencies.  The institutional response involved developing a three-tier management model, restructuring internal regulations, and establishing shared intellectual property mechanisms. Employment in the field of study rose to 82 %, the number of graduate entrepreneurs increased by 37 %, and extra-budgetary revenue grew by 54 %.  The case novelty lies in testing the «ecosystem architect» concept through reorganizing university management mechanisms rather than introducing pedagogical or technological innovations. Intended for researchers and practitioners in university management, the article addresses workforce development challenges in peripheral economies.