DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION: DEVE-LOPING AN EFFECTIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTEGRATION MODEL

The prerequisites behind the transformation of universities in the context of digitalization include continuous development of the skills and qualifications acquired through formal education and the development of digital technologies and ecosystems. The study aims to analyze different scenarios for the development of higher education in the face of digitalization. The research draws on previous studies from scientific periodicals. Based on a literature review and an expert survey, the key scenarios of the development of higher education in the context of digitalization and the rise of online learning are established. The authors conclude that digitalization has drastically changed the methods of operation of all institutions and organizations, including universities, in terms of communication and the principles of their functioning. Contemporary universities use the opportunities created by digitalization and view digital technology as essential in their development. This fact is of great importance due to the current changes in the labor market, its structure, forms of employment, and methods of job performance. Digital competencies are becoming not only an educational requirement, but a basic prerequisite for knowledge acquisition and employment.