Competitiveness of higher education system as a sector of economy: Conceptual model of analysis with application to Ukraine

Abstract

This research aims to lay out a framework for analysis the competitiveness of higher education as one of the service sector of economy. The study offers a conceptual model for the analysis and is based on the criteria of quality, social responsibility and economic efficiency. The interests of stakeholders, the potential of the education providers form a core of the model and framework for construction of indicators on higher education system competitiveness analysis according to abovementioned criteria. The proposed model and corresponding indicator frame was applied for the analysis of the higher education system competitiveness of Ukraine’s regions. Cluster analysis allowed selecting groups of Ukraine’s regions that differ significantly in the level of higher education system competitiveness and require a differentiated governmental policy as well as financial support.