Today, Ukrainian entrepreneurs actively turn to universities for expert support in order to improve their products and services. Cooperation brings benefits to both parties: business receives necessary expertise, and scientific institutions find new sources of funding and opportunities for development.
Despite established stereotypes that university teachers work only in the academic field, research laboratories and scientific centers function in many higher education institutions. These structures retain the expertise that is in demand today, especially in the context of the urgent need for defense and technological solutions.
One example is the aerodynamic complex of the National Aviation University (NAU), where tests for government and commercial clients are carried out using two wind tunnels. Initially, these services were used by construction companies to test building layouts to determine the optimal orientation and construction according to wind direction. After the start of the war, manufacturers of drones turned to NAU to check the aerodynamic characteristics of the wings. This allowed them to increase the effectiveness of aircraft in combat conditions.
Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) also plays an important role in supporting innovation. During the development of surveillance cameras, Ajax Systems turned to the Department of Optical Devices of KPI for help in designing lenses. KPI Rector Anatoliy Melnychenko notes that such projects provide the university with additional sources of funding and the opportunity for scientists to share their experience with manufacturing enterprises. In addition to Ajax Systems, KPI also collaborated with the National Bank of Ukraine, conducting research on the wear resistance of hryvnia banknotes.
Sumy State University (SumSU) has a department specializing in pumps and compressors historically important for local production. The research laboratory of Sumy State University supplies equipment for oil and gas and sugar enterprises, and also participates in international projects, such as the development of the Antares launch vehicle. In the design of the turbopump for this missile, specialists of Sumy State University simulated the dynamics of the rotor, which made it possible to improve the characteristics of the device.
For many universities, personal contact with business is an important component of cooperation. Often, the initiators of applications are company owners through personal connections or membership in specialized associations. Such informal cooperation is effective, as it allows for quick resolution of issues and joint development of solutions. The Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) has engaged consulting specialists to learn how to build cooperation at the business level. The result was an opportunity for students to work on real projects, in particular, research for a pharmaceutical company on the smuggling of drugs into Ukraine.
Lviv Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) is also actively developing cooperation with IT companies. After the second year, UKU students are often offered positions in leading companies and gain experience working on R&D projects under the supervision of faculty. This not only opens up new perspectives for the students themselves, but also allows the university to participate in the creation of new technologies and publish research results in international journals.
Cooperation with business is becoming an important source of income for universities. KPI, for example, plans to earn over UAH 100 million in 2024 from scientific projects, and Sumy State University – UAH 39.6 million. In developed countries, the main source of funding for science is the private sector, and Ukraine is gradually moving in this direction, although the share of innovative solutions in business remains small.
However, universities face challenges: a lack of young personnel with modern technology and ability to work on projects, a low level of innovation in the country, as well as restrictions related to martial law. During hostilities, state universities are limited in the use of their income and need support from the state for the development of scientific projects.
Despite the difficulties, the growing cooperation between universities and businesses creates a solid foundation for the further development of technologies and science-intensive industries in Ukraine.
Source: the information is based on the publication https://www.epravda.com.ua/publications/2024/10/28/721081/
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