Mariupol State University as a center of transformation of the city of Mariupol
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Trofymenko Mykola 
Published: October 2021

The article examines the process of transformation of Ukrainian universities into centers of community transformation in the conditions of decentralization on the example of Mariupol State University (MSU). The conditions in which MSU operates after 2014-2015 are considered. The defining directions of the university development that influence the development of the community are analyzed, in particular: the work of the educational center "Donbass-Ukraine" MSU, research, implementation of international research projects of the university, training of foreign students. The contribution of Mariupol City Council and Donetsk Regional State Administration to the development of MSU is analyzed. The article draws the following conclusions: firstly, modern Ukrainian universities in the context of decentralization are becoming centers of community transformation. Secondly, in 2014–2015, the universities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts found themselves in completely new conditions. Three universities have moved to Mariupol (8 in total today), competition between the institutions of higher education has increased enormously, as the number of graduates is about 2,000 each year, there is an outflow of students from MSU, including foreign ones, international contacts, trips and events have been limited. Thirdly, in an effort to ensure transparency of governance and attract financial resources for development from international institutions, the city develops and implements strategies for its development. Universities actively provide the necessary scientific and professional expertise in the preparation of such documents. The example of Mariupol also shows that universities are given an important part of the Strategy to increase the number of foreign students, increase the number of students to 10% of the population, develop the material and technical base of the institutions of higher education, and create conditions for the most talented graduates to stay in Mariupol. The implementation of these provisions ultimately provides additional revenues to the city budget, training of highly qualified specialists for the economy of the city and region, attracting the results of scientific research of university scientists for the needs of the city and region and more. The implementation of these provisions ultimately provides additional revenues to the city budget, training of highly qualified specialists for the economy of the city and region, attracting the results of scientific research of university scientists for the needs of the city and region and more. Fourthly, MSU, in its new environment, has transformed threats into opportunities by making community development and transformation one of its main tasks. These issues were included in the MSU Development Strategy until 2025. Fifthly, the defining areas of university development that affect the development of the community, including socio-economic, its transformation, contribute to the reintegration of the occupied territories is the work of the educational center "Donbass-Ukraine" MSU, research, scientific support of police power and local government, international university projects, training of foreign students. The university also serves as a base for important international, socio-political forums, conferences, etc., which help to attract attention to the city and the region, attract investment, international expertise and more. Sixthly, the university today performs many functions and offers many opportunities. In addition, one of the most valuable is the opportunity for dialogue with everyone. Moreover, this is what is needed to solve the problem of reintegration and development of the region. Seventhly, the Mariupol City Council and the Donetsk Regional State Administration, recognizing the role of the university in the socio-economic, socio-political development of the territories, the transformation of communities in every way contributes to the activities of MSU.