THE THIRD MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY AS A MECHANISM OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A NEW PARADIGM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Problem Statement. In the current context of war and European integration, Ukrainian universities face the challenge not only of preserving their educational and scientific functions but also of redefining their societal role becoming institutions capable of ensuring resilience, solidarity, and humanitarian support. The traditional model of the university as a center of knowledge is being replaced by the concept of a “university that serves”, where the third mission – social, cultural, and civic engagement – becomes a systemic mechanism for social recovery and human capital development. The comprehension and practical implementation of this mission determine a new paradigm for the development of higher education in Ukraine. Purpose of the Study. The purpose of the study is to theoretically generalize and practically comprehend the implementation of the third mission of universities under the conditions of war and European integration, using the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” as a case study, and to define its role as a factor of resilience, social cohesion, and the development of the innovative potential of higher education in Ukraine. Object of the Study. The third mission of the university as a mechanism for ensuring the sustainable development of higher education in the context of war and European integration. Methods Used in the Study. Systemic, synergistic, axiological, and activity-based approaches; case study method, content analysis, comparative analysis of European and Ukrainian practices, and analytical generalization. Main Hypothesis of the Study. Institutional resilience of the university is formed through the integration of educational, scientific, and social functions, where the third mission becomes a practical mechanism of service to society and implementation of European values. Presentation of the Main Research Material. The evolution of the university’s third mission from social responsibility to the paradigm of service has been analyzed. A model of a sustainable-type university is proposed, combining value-based, operational, and global dimensions of activity. Examples of practical implementation of the third mission in education, humanitarian support, inclusion, digitalization, and international partnership are presented. Originality and Practical Significance of the Study. For the first time, an integrated concept of the university’s third mission as a mechanism of sustainable development under wartime conditions has been developed. The results can be used to design university development strategies, improve internal quality assurance systems in higher education, and elaborate ESG-related policies. Conclusions and Prospects for Further Research. The third mission is a key factor in ensuring institutional resilience, humanitarian cohesion, and the European integration-driven development of universities. Further research should focus on developing indicators for assessing the social impact of universities and modeling the effectiveness of third mission implementation in higher education.