Russian Higher Education to 2020

Author(s): Harley Balzer
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 97
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute of History, University of Basel
Publication Year: 2011

There are few more stunning changes in global affairs than the rapid decline in Russia's standing in education, science and technology. Some of the challenges to the higher education system are common to all nations in an increasingly competitive global environment. In this competition, Russian myths about the quality of the Soviet achievement along with stifling bureaucracy and corruption are undermining the effect of increased funding. Russia also faces demographic and social challenges that make it difficult to reorient the system to meet the demands of 21st century higher education. Rather than seeking to raise the level of education for all Russians, the government appears intent on forcing citizens to pay an increasing share of the cost of public services, encouraging exacerbation of already severe economic inequalities.

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