The quality of universities as a factor in the spatial distribution of skilled labor

Abstract

The problem of differentiation of HEIs by quality of educational, research and international activities and, as a consequence, of regional educational systems is relevant for Russia. To form a strong network of regional HEIs and to produce personnel whose competences meet the demands of the real sector of economy in the regions requires taking into account the spatial distribution of educational and postgraduate labour migration, specifics of location and quality of HEIs. The study obtained new statistical findings on the impact of the quality of regional educational systems on the volume of postgraduate migration and the propensity of university graduates to migrate to other regions in order to find employment. In addition, the contribution of universities to socio-economic development of regions ("third mission" of universities) has been empirically verified. It has been determined that improving the quality of universities has a positive impact on the propensity of graduates stay in regions where they receive their education, especially from "non-capital" regions. Universities can mitigate migration outflow of graduates and enhance human capital levels in regions by not only improving the quality and efficiency of education, but also by strengthening links with local labour markets through an active traineeship referral policy. Improving the quality of universities can be an additional tool of economic policy to increase regions' capacity to attract and retain qualified and educated young people, and to achieve more balanced spatial development of regions. In order to stimulate economic development in the regions, it is necessary to provide opportunities to improve the quality of the educational system and training of specialists demanded in regional labour markets, as well as to create conditions to encourage universities to provide scientific and expert analytical services to real sector organisations.

Full document