Strengthening Cooperation of a University and its Stakeholders in Critical Conditions: The Impact of the UniCom Project on the Experience of BK MSPU

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the article is to share the experience of Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University of participation in Erasmus+ project KA2 Capacity building in higher education “Universities-Communities: strengthening cooperation” in 2023. The article presents the cases of effective cooperation of BK MSPU with its external stakeholders as examples of fulfilment of its third mission. The research is based on these case studies, analysis of understanding of the essence of the third mission in Ukraine, its coverage in national and regional legislation. The cases described in the article occurred in the critical conditions during the war in Ukraine, but became possible under the influence of the UniCom project. As a result, the University continues fruitful cooperation with local self-government bodies, business structures, social institutions and communities, expands cooperation with numerous public organizations. Participation in the project itself boosted the university internationalization and contributed to its societal actions beyond the borders of Ukraine.