SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION: FUNCTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Abstract

The paper outlines the conceptual principles, features, and prospects for the development of social responsibility in higher education institutions. The main attention is focused on defining the content and functions of social responsibility in higher education in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Ukraine. At the same time, important tasks are the formation of civic values, equal opportunities for all participants in the educational process and environmental awareness of students. The study is based on the analysis of international regulatory documentation in the field of education and the review of the results of theoretical and empirical works of foreign and domestic scientists. The use of methods of comparison, generalization and systematization allowed us to determine theoretical approaches and methodological guidelines for the development of social responsibility in higher education institutions. It was found that modern research lacks a unified concept of the formation of social responsibility in higher education. International practice confirms that effective social responsibility programs in higher education institutions combine an orientation towards the personal development of students, the formation of critical and independent thinking, and the education of civic responsibility in future professionals. Best global practices of social responsibility in higher education include environmental initiatives aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the educational process, promoting the use of environmentally friendly transport, and encouraging waste sorting among the population. Another important area is the formation of a culture of conscious consumption among students, which includes reducing resource use and reusing items. The development of volunteer programs for students and faculty that promote active citizenship is of great importance. Effective practice is the establishment of dialogue and partnership between higher education institutions and business within the framework of the implementation of social and educational grant programs. The main functions of social responsibility of higher education institutions include the creation of a safe and supportive educational environment, the development of civic awareness and activity, the support of inclusivity and equality, the promotion of sustainable development, as well as social partnership with the public. Ensuring security, psychological well-being and a culture of mutual respect in the conditions of national higher education becomes especially relevant during martial law. Cooperation among educational institutions, businesses, communities, and governments contributes to effective solutions to educational and social challenges. The study was conducted with financial support from the Institute of International Education Scholar’s Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF). The research materials reflect the interim results of the VEGA 1/0316/22 research project Multidisciplinary Aspects of the Feminisation at the Department of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Philosophy at Comenius University in Bratislava.