Public-private partnership management relations in higher education

The article discusses the relevance of implementing public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms in the field of higher education in Ukraine amidst global challenges, economic instability, and integration into the European educational space. The authors focus on issues related to the financing and management of higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly the limited budgetary resources, declining student numbers, and reduced access to state-funded education. The dynamics of the number of HEIs, students, and admissions in state-owned and private HEIs are analyzed. It has been established that the number of HEIs has nearly halved over the past five years, with state HEIs declining faster than private ones. Nevertheless, state HEIs remain more popular among students. In private HEIs, there is a significant outflow of students, which diminishes their role in the education system. Special attention is given to the analysis of higher education financing. The study shows a decrease in the share of students funded by the state, alongside an increase in the share of students in contract-based education, which has become the main source of HEI funding. This trend shifts the financial burden onto households. The potential of implementing PPP in higher education is explored. Key benefits of such initiatives are highlighted, including the modernization of HEI infrastructure, the establishment of joint research centers, the preparation of specialists demanded in the labor market, and the enhancement of educational service quality. It is noted that integrating PPP will facilitate the adaptation of higher education to contemporary challenges and ensure the sustainable development of universities. The article includes recommendations for the effective implementation of PPP in modern Ukraine. The authors emphasize the need to create a favorable regulatory environment, increase the financial autonomy of HEIs, and enhance cooperation between the state, universities, and the private sector.