International and Russian Experience of Clustering Higher Education

The relevance of this study is due to the increasing role and importance of clustering in the international and Russian educational process.

Aim of this study is to analyze the international and Russian experience of clustering education, to show the possibilities of using the cluster approach in the development of education in Russia.

Procedure and methods of research. The theoretical provisions and conclusions of the study are based on general scientific and special methodological approaches: systematic, culturological, civilizational and cluster, etc. The information and empirical base of the study is represented by statistical data of the European Cluster Observatory, materials of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. There is a positive experience of the educational sphere clustering in many foreign and Russian universities.

Scientific novelty / theoretical and practical significance. The arguments are given in favor of using the cluster approach in the implementation of the scientific and educational strategy of the Russian University of Transport (MIIT), which implements the project of the multifunctional technological cluster “Obraztsovo”, as well as the technological valley “Sparrow Hills” of Lomonosov Moscow State University. The analysis of the main advantages of combining educational institutions and organizations into clusters, as well as the problems arising in this case, is given.

Results. The international and Russian experience of clustering higher education shows positive examples of improving the competitiveness of educational institutions; the cluster approach of education management will increase the level of competitiveness of cluster subjects.

Conclusions. The cluster approach in the development of innovative education is relevant and in demand today. The issues of clustering of the education sector in Russia require the comprehensive participation of educational institutions, business and government structures.

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