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DOI: 10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.626-644

UDC 301.1:327:378.1(470+571)

Sociological Monitoring of the Problems and Prospects of International Cooperation in the Russian Higher Education System

Vera A. Yudina
Cand.Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of Management, Computer Science and All-Humanities Chair, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (Penza Branch) (33B Kalinin St., Penza 440052, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9835-9430, Scopus ID: 57211803103, Researcher ID: E-4558-2018, SPIN-code: 2887-6549, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maria A. Tanina
Cand.Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of Management, Computer Science and All-Humanities Chair, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (Penza Branch) (33B Kalinin St., Penza 440052, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-6280, Scopus ID: 57211810144, Researcher ID: E-7224-2018, SPIN-code: 8764-6330, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vladimir V. Bondarenko
Dr.Sci. (Econ.), Professor of Management, Computer Science and All-Humanities Chair, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (Penza Branch) (33B Kalinin St., Penza 440052, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6716-1963, Scopus ID: 57211802151, Researcher ID: E-5624-2018, SPIN-code: 8606-0184, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sergey V. Polutin
Dr.Sci. (Sociol.), Professor, Head of the Chair of Sociology and Social Work, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0399-4154, Scopus ID: 57215972235, Researcher ID: A-9592-2017, SPIN-code: 6580-0020, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract
Introduction. In the context of ongoing geopolitical and institutional transformations within the global educational sphere, there is an urgent need to develop adaptive mechanisms for international educational collaboration. These mechanisms must integrate digital distance technologies designed to advance Russian higher education offerings in the international market for educational services. Nevertheless, current academic literature offers insufficient detail regarding how international cooperation in higher education influences: the transformation of educational program content and competencies; the employment prospects, mobility, and professional trajectories of international graduates; and the quality assurance systems shaped by various accreditation standards. This research aims to analyze the current approaches to the digitalization and internationalization of higher education, assess the preparedness of the Russian higher education system for integrating digital distance technologies across its research, educational, and international communication functions, and ultimately, formulate recommendations for enhancing existing international cooperation frameworks.
Materials and Methods. The empirical research was conducted in 2025 using an online survey of 183 respondents. These individuals held various positions related to international activities and work with international students in Russian universities, representing 69 regions across all federal districts of the country. A comprehensive set of scientific cognition methods, including content analysis and sociological surveys, was employed to identify a range of problems and trends in the implementation of international educational cooperation amidst the digitalization of higher education. Adaptive mechanisms for international educational cooperation were developed using statistical and structural-logical research techniques.
Results. A theoretical analysis of statistical and analytical materials from domestic and international organizations and experts enabled the formulation of trends in the digitalization and internationalization of higher education, the proposal of adaptive mechanisms for implementing international educational cooperation, and the outlining of their development prospects. Based on the empirical findings, two key groups of problems in the implementation of international cooperation within the Russian higher education system (internal and external) were identified, and their resolution pathways were developed.
Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusions and recommendations formulated by the authors contribute to the development of methodological frameworks for adapting international educational cooperation mechanisms. These adaptations are designed to address the complexities arising from geopolitical and geo-economic instability, and to meet the evolving requirements of higher education digitalization and internationalization. This article’s findings are expected to be beneficial for experts engaged in research on improving the efficacy of exports within the higher education services sector. Furthermore, they will be of particular interest to university leadership teams aiming to enhance their strategies for attracting international students and cultivating partnerships with overseas entities in diverse fields of collaboration.

Keywords: digitalization, international cooperation, higher education, internationalization, distance learning technologies

Funding: The publication was prepared based on research carried out using budgetary funds, within the framework of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation state assignment on the theme “Development of Mechanisms for Implementing International Cooperation in the Russian Higher Education System under Distance Learning Technologies and Digital Transformation of the Educational System” (VTK-GZ-PI-48-22, 2022).

Acknowledgments: The authors of the article thanks the reviewers and the editorial board of the journal for their comments, active work on the article and attentive attitude, which made it possible to improve the quality of the results.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Yudina V.A., Tanina M.A., Bondarenko V.V., Polutin S.V. Sociological Monitoring of the Problems and Prospects of International Cooperation in the Russian Higher Education System. Integration of Education. 2025;29(4):626–644. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.626-644

Authors’ contribution:
V. A. Yudina – formulation of research goals and aims; management and coordination responsibility for the research activity planning and execution; leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution.
M. A. Tanina – application of statistical, mathematical, computational, or other formal techniques to analyse or synthesize study data; development of methodology.
V. V. Bondarenko – acquisition of the financial support for the project leading to this publication; specifically visualization.
S. V. Polutin – conducting a research and investigation process; specifically writing the initial draft.

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the authors on reasonable request.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 28.04.2025;
revised 01.07.2025;
accepted 07.07.2025.

REFERENCES

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