Abstract: The scientific and technological progress substantiates significant economic and social changes, and imposes specific requirements on the sphere of education, first and foremost, with regards to preparation of modern specialists. Actualization of such requirements is mediated by the state educational policy and corresponding administrative decisions and measures. The article examines the problems of Russian higher education in the context of proliferation of the ideas and practices of new public management (NPM). The theoretical framework of this research is comprised of the theory of human capital in its historical context and critical perspective. Special attention is given to the problem of adaptation of the sphere of education to the market economy and its values – competition, individualism, and social inequality. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the theory of human capital is used for criticizing the methods and results of NPM in educational sphere. It is revealed that the effectiveness of education and its contribution to the economy remains low. The currently implemented model of public administration model in accordance with the concept of NPM has an ambiguous effect. On the one hand, the pursuit of making education open, modern, and economically justified; while on the other hand, the impact of noneconomic factors is neglected. The conclusion is made on the importance of the quality of administrative impact aimed at not only the output of education, but primarily, the development of human capital.

Abstract: The development of international cooperation along with the growing number of the participants of academic mobility are among the attributes of internationalization of education. Its positive effects are universally acknowledged, however take effort to be achieved. Based on the example of national research universities, the article examines the peculiarities of international activity and opportunities for the Russian universities to participate in the international academic mobility. Primary focus is given to the student international internships, which are considered as highly effective educational and mentoring practices. The theoretical framework for this research is comprised of a set of provisions that characterize international academic exchange as mutually beneficial interaction of different values, cultures, experience, knowledge, interests, and goals. The scientific novelty lies in introduction of the new empirical self-examination reports of the universities, use of various statistical data and rating results. The conclusion is made that international academic mobility has its own structure, pronounced geographical focus, and industry characteristics. Cooperation with individual foreign universities and enterprises, as well as with international university associations and branch associations is well developed and creates favorable environment for the advancement of international academic mobility. However, these opportunities are not used to the fullest, as testified by relatively low number of the Russian participants, prevalence of incoming flow vs outgoing, and unequal conditions for the capital and regional universities.

Abstract: This article reviews the problem of training a new generation of specialists in the sphere of information and communication technologies. Relevance of the problem is substantiated by the tasks for overcoming technological gap and human resourcing for the digital transformation of national economy. The theoretical and methodological framework is comprised of the provisions that reveal complex and contradictory nature of the digital transformation process due to being affected by various social, cultural, economic and political factors. The key role is assigned to the educational institutions intended for formation of the new set of knowledge, competences and values. The goal consist in determination of factors that define staff requirements of the information and communication technologies sector (ICT. It is demonstrated that targets in human resource training for the information and communication technologies sector rely on the overall evaluation of economic situation and do not take into account a number of specific factors. It is underlined that the key characteristics of the Russian ICT sector consist in its heterogeneity and dependence on the general trends in the economy and job market, and staff shortage is substantiated by the outcome of previous stage in the development of ICT sector and specificity of the country's economy. In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of differentiated approach towards determination of the need and requirements of training of digital personnel in the context of isolated branches, regions and development trends of with regard of information and communication technologies.

Abstract: This article explores the differences between major and regional universities from the perspective of human resource training for innovation production. The hypothesis is advanced that these differences are caused first and foremost by concentration of resources in major regions, and therefore, by the advantage of major universities and limited opportunities of regional universities to involve students and postgraduates in innovation activities. The theoretical and methodological framework is comprised by the provisions that reveal complex and contradictory nature of relationship between the economy and higher education, imbalance between the level of production modernization and the level of educational potential characteristic to multiple regions. The novelty of this works consists in articulation of the problem, methodology and utilization of the original empirical base, which represents the results of a survey that involves 90 experts from 15 Russian regions and was conducted in 2017-2019. It is demonstrated that the best regional universities can be competitive in relation to major universities, and reduce the so-called “centrism of the capital” due to more efficient usage of resources and closer ties with local production. An important condition is the competitiveness of human resource training programs, which relies not as much on compliance with formal indexes and positions in different ratings, as by particular results acquired in collaboration with manufacturing companies.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the problem of training of the new generation of specialists, mostly in the field of research and development capable of employing the latest knowledge and competencies in response to the growing external and internal threats. Thesis on the difference in goal-setting between the academic and corporate sphere of research and development underlies this publication. The analysis is aimed at determination of specificity of the university and corporate training of academic staff, as well as substantiation of the need to consider advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. The theoretical-methodological framework consists of a set of provisions revealing the specificity of innovation activity and allowing to analyze the relationships between its participants. The conclusion is made that despite the differences in goal-setting, both corporate and academic sectors are equally interested in preparation of highly qualified specialists. The author underlines that consideration of these differences at the national level, as well as separate corporations and universities would have positive impact upon economic development.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the activity of cultural-leisure establishment of the country in tourism sphere. The relevance of this work is substantiated by the priorities of state policy aimed at integrated development of tourism for acquainting citizens with cultural and natural heritage, ensuring economic and sociocultural progress in the Russian regions, growing popularity of educational tourism among Russians, and at the same time, insufficient knowledge of its practices. Studying the practices of educational tourism in the activity of cultural-leisure establishments is the key research objective. The theoretical-methodological foundation contains the set of provisions addressing leisure as a non-formal educational practice. The empirical basis includes the local regulatory acts, performance reports, and questionnaire materials that characterize the activity of cultural-leisure establishments. The conclusion is made on the advantages of educational tourism on the premises of cultural-leisure establishments. Their work of cultural-leisure establishments in tourism sphere allows dedicating more attention to the local culture, history and traditions, consider the interests of various population groups and local society overall, as well as conduct versatile project activities.

Abstract: The question of preparation of scientific personnel in modern Russian is especially relevant for overcoming the established in the late XX – early XX century negative trends in educational and academic sphere, as well as strengthening the scientific-technological sovereignty. This implies the expansion of the sphere of application of research work in various economic branches and formation of the sustainable layer of highly qualified specialists involved in research and development activities. Particular attention is given to the specificity of preparation of researchers in university. Based on the results of representative sociological survey, the author analyzes the motives, opportunities and limitations of participation of the students and post-graduates in scientific research. The theoretical-methodological base contains a set of regulations focused on the correlation between various aspects of research activities, including its material, social, psychological, communicative and other aspects. It is demonstrated that despite the positive changes of the recent years, an entire set of problems impeding the inflow and consolidation of youth in the research and development sphere remains unresolved. A conclusion is made that with the professional growth, young researchers give more significance to the social aspects of their activity, which must be considered in the course of preparation of research personnel, as well as development and implementation of scientific policy.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the dynamics and structure of training academic staff in the context of priorities of Russia’s socioeconomic development. As a hypothesis, is provided a thesis on the deficit of academic staff and weak coupling between the science and the branches of an actual production sector, which impedes the modernization and innovatization of the country’s economy. The goal of this work is the determination of the cause of shortage of academic staff, as well as low efficiency of their engagement in the development and promotion of innovations in the various economic branches. The theoretical-methodological base of research lies in the set of regulations that consider scientific capital as the key concept for analyzing the relations in academic sphere. A conclusion is made that the influx of highly-qualifies personnel encourages the growth of labor productivity in economic branches. The author underlines the importance of ensuring conditions for gradual development and realization of academic competencies and academic capital throughout the entire education period, professional training and further professional activity.

Abstract: The question of literacy in modern Russian society holds a special place due to appearance of the new processes and phenomena in the sphere of education, as well as lack of their study. It is referred to the increase of requirements to the level and quality of the obtainable knowledge and skills of their practical application. Examination of the problem at hand allows determining the role of multi-literacy as social value and factor of social development. Based on the results of representative sociological survey, the article analyzes the attitude of the Russians to the presently existing state system of education as well as characterizes the practices of self-education and additional education. The theoretical-methodological base includes the complex of regulations focused on the activeness and motivation of students, individual preferences, and practical purposefulness of educational programs. It is demonstrated that despite the high level of reading and mathematical literacy, there exists a problem of functional literacy, particularly the low skills in solving the tasks. A conclusion is made that the distribution of multi-literacy considerably depends on the level of engagement of population in practices of self-education and additional education.  

Abstract: Based on the results of sociological monitoring, this article examines the problem of trust in public institutions in the modern Russian society. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the structure and dynamics of trust within the context of ongoing events and processes. The relevance of the study is substantiated by the fact that institutional trust is in a constant dynamic, affected by the heterogeneous and multidirectional processes, which is especially common to the transitional societies with simultaneous presence of sustainable and situational, objective and subjective, external and internal factors. Theoretical and methodological basis consists in a set of provisions that regard trust as a complex social phenomenon. It is concluded that the structure of institutional trust reflects the inherent to the Russian political culture specific features, while its dynamics indicates the changes that take place in the society. The interaction of sociocultural, economic, and political factors justify the constant “flow” of trust from one institution or group of institutions to other, simultaneously ensuring the sustainability and adaptivity of the institutional system to the changing circumstances.

Abstract: The question of the role of morality and ethics in social interactions within the modern Russian society carries a special importance due to specificity of socio-territorial development of the country, including the length of the borders, scales of the territory, and diversity of its separate parts. Examination of this topic allows determining the results of a distinct adjustment of various types of territorial communities towards changes that take place in the moral-ethnical sphere. Based on the results of representative sociological survey, the article analyzes the attitude of the residents of various types of settlements towards the norms of morality in the area of social interactions, as well as readiness to comply with them or violate them. The theoretical-methodological base lies in the complex of positions that argue the high importance of the moral-ethical component in social interactions. It is demonstrated that the moral-ethical orientations with regards to social interactions within the present Russian society are rather controversial. The Russians note the worsening of the quality of social interactions, but demonstrate tolerance towards the violation of social norms. The conclusion is made about the growing conflict between the culture and environment, which have different dynamics of development and suggest different responses to the challenges of time. To a lesser degree, this conflict touches the medium and small cities of Russia, which can be considered as a more adequate model of functionality of public morality that provides social cohesion of the Russian society.

Abstract: The role of generations in the social and political changes is of particular importance for the Russian society, which in recent decades have occurred fluctuations of socio-political moods, an inversion in the value orientations of the population, the ups and downs of civic engagement, policy changes. The study of the relation of the youth to politics allows revealing the results of the so-called "generational selection" of public consciousness, which demonstrate the vector and speed of the changes taking place in society. Based on the results of the representative sociological survey, the article examines the prerequisites, orientation, and attitudes of the modern Russian youth in the area of politics. As the theoretical-methodological basis, the author used a complex of positions that substantiate the specificity of political orientations  and political behavior of different generations, and at the same time succession and common sociocultural grounds. It is demonstrated, that in general the youth reproduces the range of the essential political orientations and ideologies that exist in the Russian society. In addition to that, youth introduces the new demands, expectations, motivations, and behavioral practices into the political environment. The conclusion is made that despite the alienation from politics, the potential of Russian youth for participation in the process is still rather high.

Abstract: This article examines the problem of innovation inequality of the territories. The relevance of the research is substantiated by the growing importance of innovations in life of the modern society, as well as expanding differentiation of the territories by the level of socioeconomic development. A special attention is given to the questions of territorial concentration of innovation process, specificity of the participation in this process of territories with a different level of socioeconomic development, and the cooperation between the internal and external factors in the process of creation and spread of innovations. The author reviews the main signs of endogenic and exogenic (applied and imitation) territorial models of the innovation process. The main conclusion consists in the detection of the growing innovation inequality of the territories. On the example of foreign and Russian practices, it is demonstrated that the specificity of participation of territories in the current innovation process is to the highest degree substantiated by the established territorial separation of labor, rather than level of development of human potential – the key factor of the innovation activity.  

Abstract: The article discusses the features of the socio-economic situation of Russians living in different types of settlements. The relevance of the study is justified by the growing importance of the issue of inequality, both between different strata of population, as well as between territorial communities. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of social well-being dynamics under the 2014-2015 crisis. The author examines the impact of the crisis on the public perception of the situation in the country, the situation in certain areas of life, personal prospects of citizens, potential risks and ways to adapt to them. Theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a set of provisions, reasoning the interconnection between socio-economic and territorial settlement aspects of the organisation and development of society. The main conclusion of the study is the identification of significant differences in the dynamics of socio-economic status of Russians living in different types of settlements. The negative impact of the 2014-2015 crisis to a larger extent affected people living in small and medium-sized cities, as well as in the industrial settlements, and to a lesser degree - the inhabitants of megalopolices and villages. Aligning the level of socio-economic development of territories and improving the life quality of citizens, regardless of their place of residence, is a strategic objective of public policy.

Abstract: The article discusses the features of the socioeconomic development of regions in contemporary Russia. The relevance of the study conditioned by the growing importance of the issues of inequality, both between different sectors of the population, and between individual territories. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the ratio of indicators of domestic regional product per capita and the level of per capita income of the population of the region per month. These indicators are considered not only as important factors in the current position of the regions, but also as long-term strategic orientations of socioeconomic development. Theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a set of provisions, which argues a greater importance of internal capacity of socio-economic development of the regions than of administrative and political factors.The main conclusion of the study is identification of significant differences in the current socioeconomic position of regions and unfounded domination of administrative and policy approaches in determining the long-term goals of regional development. Embedding the level of per capita income and the level of GRP in the long-term strategy for socioeconomic development of the region should include not only administrative measures, but also the development of the internal capacity of the regions, taking into account their cultural, economic and social characteristics.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the study of the issue of civil legal awareness within the social-political practices and values of the Russian citizens. Civil legal awareness is being viewed as a necessary element of the functioning of the civil society and legal state that recognizes the rights, liberties, and interests of human and citizen as the highest values. A special attention is given to the analysis of the link between civil legal awareness and the level of social and institutional trust, public and political participation, value orientation, and political alignments in the modern Russian society. Analysis of the issue takes into account the key positions of the theory of modernization with regards to the transformation of the socio-political subjectivity of the society and the citizen that allow the conceptualization of the link between civil legal awareness and the socio-political practices and value orientations of the Russian citizens. The author makes a conclusion on the existence of a deep divide between the traditions of the socio-political participation that carry a mostly collectivistic, conventional, and institutional character and a low level of trust that has formed in the post-Soviet period by the public institution, which in many ways substantiates the divergence in the civil legal awareness, values, and practices of civil participation in the modern Russian society.
 

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the study of the issue of civil legal awareness within the social-political practices and values of the Russian citizens. Civil legal awareness is being viewed as a necessary element of the functioning of the civil society and legal state that recognizes the rights, liberties, and interests of human and citizen as the highest values. A special attention is given to the analysis of the link between civil legal awareness and the level of social and institutional trust, public and political participation, value orientation, and political alignments in the modern Russian society. Analysis of the issue takes into account the key positions of the theory of modernization with regards to the transformation of the socio-political subjectivity of the society and the citizen that allow the conceptualization of the link between civil legal awareness and the socio-political practices and value orientations of the Russian citizens. The author makes a conclusion on the existence of a deep divide between the traditions of the socio-political participation that carry a mostly collectivistic, conventional, and institutional character and a low level of trust that has formed in the post-Soviet period by the public institution, which in many ways substantiates the divergence in the civil legal awareness, values, and practices of civil participation in the modern Russian society.
 

Abstract: The paper explores the problem of the municipal authorities’ image which is an important functional and status marker as well as the integrated indicator of the level and prospects of development of the territory. The image of the local authorities is viewed as a factor in increasing the competitiveness of the territory, contributing to the growth of public satisfaction with living conditions as well as ensuring institutional and social trust and the sustainable development of society as a whole. Special attention is paid to the analysis of criteria for the evaluation of municipal authorities’ activities which determine the local authorities’ image and constitute an integral estimate of achievements and prospects of the territory. The analysis takes into account a set of theoretical concepts that identify the socio-psychological, legal and administrative aspects of municipal authorities’ image. It is concluded that there are two components in the image of the municipal authorities: external and internal. The external one is associated with the position of the regional entity in relation to other territorial entities, and the internal one is reflecting the self-awareness, i.e. the satisfaction with local living conditions. In today's Russia there is a contradiction between external and internal components of the municipal authorities’ image.