Participation of the Faculty of the Department of Public Administration and Business Management in the Online Conference “Innovating Education: Approaches to Non-Formal Learning and Innovations for Ukrainian HEIs”

On May 3, 2025, the academic staff of the Department of Public Administration and Business Management took part in the online conference “Innovating Education: Approaches to Non-Formal Learning and Innovations for Ukrainian HEIs.” The event aimed to discuss current challenges and prospects for the innovative development of Ukraine’s higher education system in the context of digital transformation, bringing together representatives from academia, business, and the public sector.

The conference was organized at the initiative of the co-founding IT company Genesis, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and specialized educational foundations. It served as a platform for discussing strategic priorities in educational reform, the integration of digital technologies – including artificial intelligence—into academic programs, and the enhancement of higher education quality through the development of non-formal learning practices. Participants explored ways for Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs) to adapt to evolving labor market conditions, the need to transform the roles of teachers and students, as well as issues of accessibility and personalization in education.

As part of the conference, a panel discussion titled “Strategy for the Digital Development of Ukraine’s Innovations until 2030” was held. It outlined key directions for the digitalization of the education sector, including the implementation of platform solutions for distance learning, the development of digital competencies among educators and students, and the establishment of innovation hubs within universities. The discussion covered both strategic and practical aspects – from regulatory frameworks to cross-sector partnerships – with an emphasis on integrating education with the real economy. Participants emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem in which universities play a leading role in driving national digital transformation.

A special focus of the conference program was dedicated to the topic of artificial intelligence in education. Participants in the themed section discussed the potential of AI technologies as tools for personalized learning support, automation of administrative tasks, learning data analytics, and the creation of adaptive e-learning platforms. Ethical issues related to AI use were also considered, including academic integrity, data privacy, and the evolving role of educators in an AI-enhanced learning environment. The discussion addressed both the benefits and the risks associated with the widespread adoption of such technologies in higher education institutions.

Such initiatives contribute to the formation of a holistic educational ecosystem that integrates academic innovation, digital technology, and social responsibility, offering effective responses to today’s urgent challenges.