KBSU has become a platform for discussing the strategic development of universities in the South of Russia and the North Caucasus

At the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, with the support of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, a seminar-meeting entitled “Strategic Development of Universities: Transformation of the Financial Model” is being held at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov.

Management teams consisting of rectors and vice-rectors of 85 universities in the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts, as well as new constituent entities of the Russian Federation, will discuss the transformation of the financial model of universities, study corporate experience and the use of strategic and financial management tools, and make proposals to improve the financial stability of universities and introduce innovative approaches to budget management over the course of two days in the format of a strategic session, including panel discussions, individual and group work.

As noted by the acting KBSU rector Yuri Altudov at the opening of the seminar-meeting, our country pays special attention to the modernization of higher education and science and the development of new technologies.

Strategic sessions of this format allow us to discuss the future of our country’s universities and develop joint solutions that contribute to the development of education in Russia. We are on the threshold of great changes that require from us not only responsibility, but also courage in decision-making. In a rapidly changing world, education is faced with new challenges and opportunities.

We must not only adapt to these changes, but also quickly navigate the field of financial stability and innovation, have effective management, be able to make money and ensure the advanced development of the university. One of the most important tasks is the training of highly qualified personnel capable of competing in the labor market.

Together we will be able to cope with the global task of ensuring the country’s technological leadership,

— commented acting rector of KBSU Yuri Altudov.

Vladimir Nadykto, deputy plenipotentiary representative of the president of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus Federal District, noted the importance of introducing digital technologies and harmoniously combining educational and scientific activities.

Today, universities are not just educational organizations, but also important scientific centers where serious research and development are carried out. These achievements must be effectively used for practical benefits and economic development.
For the successful commercialization of university developments, it is necessary to create favorable conditions, including support from the state, business and society. It is important to stimulate cooperation between universities and enterprises, as well as to develop infrastructure to support innovation.

The introduction of modern information technologies in the educational process and research activities of universities can contribute to a more efficient use of their potential. Thus, universities are becoming important centers of innovation and development, contributing to the formation of new branches of the economy and increasing the country’s competitiveness in the world market.

As Sergey Serga, head of the Department for Economic and Social Policy of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the president of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District, emphasized in his welcoming speech, the new strategy for scientific and technological development of Russia defines the key principle and inextricable relationship between the scientific, educational, technological and industrial potential of the country.

Universities should become the central link in this system. The implementation of this strategy requires changes in approaches to planning the work of universities, including a revision of financial planning schemes and the formation of a long-term development strategy.
In partnership with technology companies, today it is necessary to strengthen the focus on the development and implementation of critical and end-to-end technologies, commercialization of the results of intellectual activity, it is necessary to significantly increase the efficiency of using the existing innovative potential, including in our regions. All this requires the formation of new financial models that take into account the multi-channel financing, close integration with the real sector of the economy,

— Sergey Serga concluded.

Deputy minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Andrey Omelchuk emphasized the importance of forming the values ​​necessary for the university, students and strategic partners to achieve the most effective results.

Universities have large resources, they have many different sources of funding. And it is important to manage them correctly, to understand what the funds are allocated for and what results they will bring,

— noted the deputy minister.

Andrey Omelchuk believes that financial decisions should be based on the careful development of a sustainable and promising model, economists need to delve into the essence of the processes, and not just make calculations.

According to the deputy minister, higher education funding has been growing rapidly in recent years. In the next five years, starting in 2025, the state will allocate about 125 billion rubles for major repairs of dormitories alone. By 2036, it is planned to create up to 40 modern campuses.

New campuses are a driver for universities, because new infrastructure should give impetus to new content. Today, we are creating comfortable conditions for students and young scientists to live, for doing science and creativity. Naturally, this is a colossal impetus for the socio-economic development of the regions,

— said Andrey Omelchuk.

One of the national goals approved by the president of the Russian Federation is to increase the number of foreign students to 500 thousand people by 2030. The state will provide them with grant support. Budget funds will be allocated not only for education, but also for paying expenses related to flights, accommodation, medical insurance, as well as for paying an increased monthly stipend. It is expected that this measure will attract more talented foreigners to study at Russian universities, including from friendly foreign countries.

Omelchuk emphasized that from 2026, large-scale changes will occur in the higher education system in Russia. The new model will consist of three main levels: basic higher education, specialized and postgraduate.

The deputy minister called on university leaders to reformat or reduce ineffective training programs so as not to waste resources.

Aslan Kanukoyev, a graduate of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University and director of the economic policy department of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, emphasized the need to improve the competence of financial services at universities:

A financier should not be perceived as a treasurer, but as a partner participating in the strategic development of the university.

He presented a model of a management team for the strategic development of a university.

Such a management team should consist of three key players: a rector, a strategic development projector and a financier. When developing a strategy, it is necessary to take into account the needs of students, vice-rectors, heads of faculties, regional and federal authorities. At the same time, a strategist must be able to speak the same language as business,

— summed up Aslan Kanukoev.

Deputy chairman of the government of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Marat Khubiev told the guests about interaction with KBSU. The specialists that the university trains for the economy of the republic are in high demand in the labor market.

Indeed, our university is developing dynamically. It competes in the educational services market, conducts active research work, closely cooperates with executive authorities, and tries to respond to the challenges of today.
For several years now, KBSU has been training specialists who are among the TOP-50 most in-demand professions in Russia. Large industrial partners of the university are interested in them,

— said Khubiev.

Outside the strategic session, deputy plenipotentiary representative of the president of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus Federal District Vladimir Nadykto and assistant plenipotentiary representative of the president of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus Federal District Aidamir Valiev held a meeting with representatives of the government of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, minister of Industry of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Shamil Akhubekov and specialists of PAO Telemekhanika. The meeting was also attended by acting rector of the Kharkiv State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov Yuri Altudov and business representatives. The participants discussed prospects for cooperation that will ensure sustainable development of the region in the long term.