Implementation of Democratic Practices of European Countries in the System of Higher Education of Ukraine

Abstract

Transformational processes in the field of higher education in Ukraine, driven by European integration guidelines and changes in approaches to the organization of higher education institutions (hereinafter referred to as HEIs), determine the relevance of introducing democratic practices into their functioning. In this context, the adaptation of European democratization experience, taking into account national institutional, managerial, and sociocultural characteristics, is of particular importance. The purpose of the article is to scientifically substantiate the possibilities and limitations of introducing democratic practices formed in the higher education systems of European countries into the national educational space of Ukraine, taking into account the institutional, managerial, and sociocultural characteristics of HEI functioning. In the course of the research, a set of general scientific and special methods of cognition was used, in particular, analysis and synthesis to generalize theoretical approaches to the democratization of higher education, a comparative method to compare European and domestic experience, a structural-functional approach to analyze management mechanisms, and SWOT analysis to assess the current state and prospects for the development of democratic practices in the higher education system of Ukraine. As a result of the study, the main democratic practices characteristic of European models of higher education have been systematized, in particular academic autonomy, inclusive management, student participation in decision-making, transparency, and accountability of management processes. The peculiarities of their implementation in Ukrainian higher education institutions were identified and the main institutional and managerial obstacles that complicate the democratization process were outlined. An algorithm for adapting European democratic practices to the national context was proposed, which provides for a phased implementation, regulatory compliance, and constant monitoring of effectiveness. The conclusions substantiate that the implementation of democratic practices in the Ukrainian higher education system requires not only regulatory changes, but also a transformation of the management culture, strengthening the role of the academic community, and developing mechanisms for the real participation of stakeholders. The obtained results provide a basis for further research into the formation of a sustainable democratic model for the functioning of the higher education system.