The role of the university in achieving SDGs 4 and 7: a Ukrainian case

¹ Department of Marketing, Institute for Business, Economics and Management, Sumy State University, Rymskogo-Korsakova str. 2, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine
² Department of Applied Mathematics and Complex Systems Modeling, Faculty of Electronics and Information Technologies, Sumy State University, Rymskogo-Korsakova str. 2, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine
³ Academic and Scientific Institute of Business, Economics and Management, Sumy State University, Rymskogo-Korsakova str. 2, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine
⁴ Office of the First Vice-rector of Sumy State University, 2, Rymskogo-Korsakova str. 2, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine

Abstract

This article deals with the development of the university activities model to ensure the quality of education and technology transfer (SDG 4) and to create a successful background in achieving SDG 7. We conduct an analysis of the literature on the achievement of SDGs through governmental instruments of influence, as well as the creation of effective university model ensuring the education quality and technology transfer. In addition, we demonstrate the role of the government in financing higher education in Ukraine. We also present the evaluation of the popularity of educational programs related to energy efficiency and a “clean” environment in Ukrainian universities after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The indicators of the use of various energy types by Ukraine are assessed, and a comparative analysis of these indicators with the data for EU-28 is performed. Based on the data presented, conclusions are drawn about the need to improve the quality of university training and to activate the university technology transfer. Successful practical approaches that can be of use for different higher education institutions are outlined. A combined model of quality assurance and technology transfer at the university is presented. An algorithm for testing the model and assessing the technological level of readiness for implementation is developed. The presented chain “combined model – model testing algorithm – determination of the technological level of readiness” is also assessed from the point of view of socio-economic impact on the main stakeholders. The use of the combined model lays background for the university’s own sustainable development as a tool for achieving SDGs.