Olga Saienko

The study targets temporarily displaced universities that changed their location due to the outbreak of the armed military conflict in Ukraine in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale military aggression in 2022. This paper focuses on the leadership of universities in implementing their third mission, which is critical to fostering the economic and social development of the regions. The purpose is to assess the impact of forced, urgent, and unplanned relocation of universities (due to the potential or actual occupation of certain territories of the country by enemy forces) on their effectiveness.
According to the rating of Ukrainian universities, “Top 200 Ukraine”, the rating indicators for the last 10 years of temporarily displaced universities from the occupied territories were analyzed. А comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by temporarily displaced universities in Ukraine was done.
Statistical analysis has confirmed the decline in ranking positions by displaced higher education institutions. The findings indicate a minimum five-year decrease in performance metrics for all institutions following relocation, with the success of adaptation to new conditions being contingent upon the institution’s capacity and resources. The data suggest that displaced universities face existential threats and require enhanced support from both governmental and international communities. A review of scholarly research on the strategic management of higher education institutions and their leading role in regional development underscores the necessity of preserving these institutions to facilitate the socio-economic reconstruction of war-affected territories.