REDEFINING HIGHER EDUCATION: INNOVATION, INCLUSION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DURING WARTIME


Natalia Tsybuliak,  Hanna Lopatina, Anastasiia Popova, Ihor Bohdanov,
Yana Sychikova, Iryna Glazkova, Svitlana Khatuntseva, Maryna Nesterenko,
Olha Hurenko, Hanna Mytsyk, Kristina Petryk, Serhii Kovachov, Olha Kurylo,
Olena Kryvylova, Hanna Aleksandrova, Maryna Bohdanova, Anzhelika Shulzhenko,
Nataliya Rula

This monograph presents an in-depth study of how universities are leveraging their role as key
players in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It begins with the context of Ukraine, namely
the impact of the war on academic potential, an analysis of a wide range of socio-economic, socio-
psychological, professional and personal challenges that arose during the war. To overcome these chal-
lenges, a roadmap for systemic reforms and the development of a sustainable institutional ecosystem is
proposed based on the triple helix model, which combines people-centric and infrastructural strategies.
The following narrative builds on this foundation, exploring the theme of inclusiveness and
accessibility in education. In particular, it examines how Ukrainian higher education institutions
implemented adaptive strategies during the ongoing war to create a barrier-free environment, thus
ensuring full participation of all students and pedagogical staff.
The monograph then moves on to a detailed discussion of the integration of STEM education,
emphasizing its vital role in national revitalization and alignment with the global sustainable devel-
opment goals. This chapter shows how STEM education can be a powerful catalyst for societal
transformation, equipping students with the skills they need to meet current and future challenges.
In addition, the text delves into the specialized field of nanotechnology education, advocating
the synergy of education, science, and values. This innovative approach reconciles technological
progress with ethical standards and sustainable practice, marking it as a new paradigm for training
a highly skilled and responsible professional.
Ultimately, the themes are synthesized through the harmonization of institutional culture, val-
ues, university development strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals. The case study of
Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, which adopted the “University without walls” model during
the war, shows how the introduction of core values into the university’s mission can contribute to
the development of a sustainable institutional ecosystem and more global motives in the develop-
ment of communities and society.
Overall, the monograph not only outlines the challenges Ukrainian higher education faced during
the war, but also highlights innovative responses and the critical role these institutions play in
promoting sustainable development. It aims to provide a roadmap for other educational institutions,
demonstrating that even in times of crisis, higher education can and should be a beacon of hope and
progress, a key driver in promoting sustainable development.
How to cite paper:
Sychikova, Ya. (Ed.) (2024). Redefining higher education: innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development during wartime. Kharkiv: ТЕСHNOLOGY СЕNTЕR PC, 232. doi: http://doi.org/10.15587/978-617-8360-07-8