OWN REVENUES IN THE CONTEXT OF EXPANDING THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article examines the role of own revenues in expanding the economic opportunities of higher education institutions in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic stems from the need to maintain educational and research activities under wartime risks, constrained public resources and changing demand for university services. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between income diversification, financial autonomy and the preservation of the public mission of universities. The discussion addresses the composition of the special fund and the opportunities associated with paid educational services, continuing education, contract research, consulting, international grants and philanthropic support. It considers how these sources relate to the development of infrastructure, the retention of academic staff and the organisation of research activities. The experience of Ukrainian universities is discussed alongside approaches to university entrepreneurship and technology transfer used abroad. The article explores the institutional conditions for cooperation with businesses and international donors, including the administrative support required for preparing grant applications, managing projects and reporting on expenditure. Endowment funds are considered in connection with long-term financial planning and the diversification of support for university development. Attention is also given to the commercialisation of intellectual property, licensing and the organisational arrangements for university spinouts. A further area of discussion concerns the pricing of educational services and the relationship between cost recovery and resources available for future investment. The paper addresses the tension between the legal status of public institutions and the managerial flexibility needed to develop additional revenue streams. It also considers the boundaries of commercialisation, particularly the need to sustain fundamental research and educational programmes whose social value cannot be assessed solely through immediate financial returns. The issues examined are relevant to university managers, researchers and policymakers concerned with the financial sustainability of higher education, the responsible use of institutional assets and the contribution of universities to economic recovery.