PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP GOVERNANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION OF CHINA: PROSPECTS FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

This article analyzes the governance of public–private partnership (PPP) in the system of higher education of the People’s Republic of China and outlines possible directions for its adaptation within the Ukrainian context. In the conditions of global transformation of higher education, financial constraints, technological modernization, and increasing expectations regarding graduate employability, universities are required to develop new governance mechanisms that enable effective cooperation between public institutions and private sectors. In this regard, public–private partnership is increasingly considered not only as a financial instrument for infrastructure development but also as an institutional mechanism that strengthens strategic interaction between universities, industry, and the state.

The study is based on the theoretical principles of public governance and institutional theory, which emphasize the importance of coordinated interaction among stakeholders in the implementation of long-term development strategies. The concept of policy transfer is also applied to analyze how elements of international experience can be adapted within specific national contexts.

The results demonstrate that PPP governance in Chinese higher education is systematically integrated into national modernization strategies, including the “Education Modernization 2035” framework, the Outline of the National Medium- and Long-Term Education Reform and Development Plan, and the policy of deepening industry–education integration. These policy instruments institutionalize enterprise participation in applied educational programs, joint research laboratories, innovation platforms, and digital infrastructure development within universities.

The study argues that the Chinese experience may serve as an important reference point for Ukraine in the context of implementing the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education (2022–2032). In particular, the development of sectoral PPP guidelines, strengthening university–industry cooperation, and integrating digital transformation into higher education governance may contribute to modernization and institutional development of Ukrainian universities.