RATINGS AS A KEY FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSITIES

In this paper, the problem of the influence of ratings on changing the strategy for the development of universities is considered. The characteristic of the educational market as an international competitive environment between national university systems is given. The classification of the most relevant world and national ratings for universities is given, data and indicators reflecting the effectiveness and quality of the educational and scientific activities of universities and their impact on the development of society are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the most authoritative international ratings of ARWU, THE WUR, QS WUR and their role in enhancing the competitiveness of universities and the image of the country in the context of the globalization of education. International ratings of universities are an important criterion in assessing the level of economic development and comparing the achievements of higher education in various countries of the world. Analysis of the results of the participation of Russian universities in the world rankings shows that entry into the top echelons of ratings and occupying leading positions is associated with the achievement of higher than currently available indicators of the Russian university. The article shows that despite the significant dynamics of promotion of Russian universities in the ratings, the number of universities represented in the TOP-300 remains extremely small and at best is less than 1%. For successful promotion of Russian universities in the ratings and achievement of the set positions, a detailed analysis of the rating methodologies in which the university participates is needed. The article reveals the interrelation between the metrics of various ratings and the correlation of indicators that provides coordinated positions of the university in different ratings. It is shown that the participation of the university in various ratings allows to more fully reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the university, and the position of the university in one rating can serve as a basis for predicting its progress in another rating. Based on the understanding of the rating as a public recognition of the level of the university’s development of its reputation and consistency on the basis of a comprehensive characteristic of its activities, the rating becomes an important tool for increasing the university’s competitiveness, the basis for its economic stability and a tool for forming the university’s status as a world-class university that can be achieved only on the basis of recognition of it by the world university and expert community. In accordance with this, the planning of the strategic development of the university should include the promotion of the university in prestigious world and national rankings.

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