EDUCATION AS A FACTOR OF ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

Анотація

The article examines education as a fundamental determinant of national economic competitiveness in the context of globalization, technological acceleration, and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. In contemporary global competition, intangible factors of development are becoming increasingly decisive, among which education occupies a central position. The competitiveness of a modern state is largely shaped by the quality of its human capital and its capacity to generate, absorb, and implement innovations more effectively than others. Therefore, aligning the national education system with the demands of innovation- driven growth and a rapidly transforming labor market becomes a strategic priority. The study systematizes theoretical approaches to understanding competitiveness and emphasizes the social dimension of its formation, particularly the role of education and professional training in enhancing labor productivity and innovation activity. Education is presented as a multidimensional factor influencing competitiveness through the formation of human capital, the development of research and technological capabilities, the provision of qualified personnel for the economy, and the strengthening of a country’s investment attractiveness. Investments in education are interpreted as long-term investments in sustainable economic growth and structural modernization. The paper also traces the historical evolution of education, demonstrating how industrialization, technological progress, and digital transformation have expanded its societal role. Lifelong learning and the shift from class-based to professional social structures have significantly increased the importance of educational institutions in shaping competitive economies. Education systems are analyzed at macro-, meso-, and micro-levels, highlighting the interaction between national strategies, institutional governance, and individual learning trajectories. International experience is examined to identify both successful models and problematic cases. The United States is presented as an example of a diversified and autonomous higher education system closely connected with research and innovation, while Finland illustrates the model of education as a public good grounded in social responsibility and equality. At the same time, examples from several Global South countries demonstrate how governance deficiencies, weak alignment with labor market needs, inefficient resource allocation, and corruption may reduce the positive economic impact of educational investments. These cases underline that education contributes to competitiveness only when supported by effective management and coherent policy design. Special attention is devoted to contemporary challenges facing Ukraine’s education system, including the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war, the outflow of students and academic staff, outdated curricula, and insufficient alignment with market demands. The article argues that post-war recovery provides an opportunity for comprehensive reform. Priority measures include compensating learning losses, expanding institutional autonomy, modernizing governance and financing mechanisms, integrating into the global educational space, and introducing advanced technologies.

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