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Conference Highlights: “Driving Economic Recovery: Scaling Digital Education Experiences” at KPI

On September 19-20, 2024, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Driving Economic Recovery: Scaling Digital Education Experiences” took place at the National Technical University of Ukraine Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI). The event brought together up to 60 participants from various sectors, including representatives from academia, non-governmental organizations, business, and public authorities, both from Ukraine and abroad.

Experts from diverse fields shared their insights on the role of digital education in economic recovery, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in the post-pandemic and post-war world.

The conference featured four parallel sessions, each of which sparked lively discussions among participants. These sessions provided an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and exploring new approaches to digital transformation in higher education and beyond.

Session 1: Empowering She-Tech: Advancing Female Digital Literacy in the Labor Market

Moderator: Dr. Tetiana Kolomiiets, Associate Professor, PhD in Sociology, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Key Speakers:

• Tetiana Avksentiuk, Head of Information Department and Media Relations, Fastiv City Council
• Tetiana Zhelyaskova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
• Nataliya Siromakha, Junior Vice President of Engineering, Head of Kharkiv Office, GlobalLogic

Main Outcomes:

1. Digital literacy as a pathway to career opportunities for women
Participants emphasized the importance of digital literacy in creating new career opportunities for women, particularly in public administration and IT fields.

2. Challenges women face in digitalization
Barriers include high costs of technology, limited training budgets, societal stereotypes, and restricted internet access. Addressing these challenges is crucial for gender equality in the workforce.

3. State programs and initiatives are necessary
The need for governmental support, retraining programs, and scholarships to empower women in digital fields was highlighted.

4. Gender dynamics in higher education
The growing participation of women in IT-related programs at KPI was discussed, along with the need for educational programs that meet labor market demands.

5. Corporate efforts to support women in engineering
Companies like GlobalLogic aim for 30% female leadership by 2030, promoting gender equality through inclusive office environments and mentorship programs.

6. Balancing work and family responsibilities
The session underscored the need for balancing career and family duties to ensure women’s equal participation in the workforce.

7. Cultural and social shifts required
Addressing patriarchal attitudes and biases is necessary for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in tech and other sectors​(Звіт_по_міжнародній_кон…).

 

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Session 2: Synergy of University Collaboration for Ukraine's Economic Recovery

Moderator: Alina Sevastyuk, Board Member, Ukrainian Women’s Fund, lecturer at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA)

Key Speakers:

• Mart Reimann, Tallinn University, School of Humanities, Centre for Landscape and Culture Researcher
• Alina Sevastyuk, Board Member, Ukrainian Women’s Fund, lecturer at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA)
• Maryna Sheptytska, Lead Specialist in Youth Engagement and Development, PJSC “MHP”
• Prof. Serhii Voitko, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
• Prof. Tkachova Nataliya, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Main Outcomes:

1. Universities must adopt flexible and less bureaucratic learning models
It was recommended that Ukrainian universities reduce bureaucratic hurdles and develop more flexible approaches to learning and collaboration, making it easier to adapt to the needs of the economy.

2. Universities should work closely with businesses to create interdisciplinary curricula
Universities are encouraged to partner with businesses to design new interdisciplinary study programs that integrate project-based learning, fostering practical skills and industry engagement.

3. Launch faculty training programs focused on community service and adaptability
Faculty members should undergo training to better serve the community and adopt more flexible teaching approaches that align with modern educational standards.

4. Create upskilling and reskilling programs with local and international experts
Universities are advised to develop industry-specific programs aimed at upskilling and reskilling, involving both Ukrainian and international experts to ensure a broader perspective and higher standards.

5. Focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in educational programs
The development of cognitive skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving should become a core priority in university curricula, preparing students to tackle complex challenges in the modern workforce.

6. Enhance leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence skills
Programs should place greater emphasis on building students' interpersonal skills, including leadership, persuasion, and emotional intelligence, which are essential for personal and professional success.

7. Develop and implement AI-based learning platforms and gamification
Universities should focus on integrating artificial intelligence and gamification into educational platforms, fostering interactive learning environments that improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

 

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Session 3: Enhancing Pedagogical Tools for Teaching IT Disciplines

Moderator: Prof. Olena Vynoslavska, Professor, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Key Speakers:

• Oksana Yurchyshyn, Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer Department, KPI
• Sofia Petkova, AI Project Coordinator, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

1. Adapting teaching methods for the digital age
Participants discussed the need to update teaching methods to meet the demands of modern, digitally-driven industries, particularly for IT disciplines.

2. Commercialization of student innovations
Opportunities for commercializing student developments were discussed, particularly how universities can facilitate this through innovative teaching approaches.

3. Addressing gender stereotypes in IT education
Gender dynamics and challenges in encouraging women to pursue engineering and IT careers were raised, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments.

4. Responsible development of AI in education
The ethical considerations and potential risks of AI in education were debated, with recommendations to integrate ethical principles into engineering curricula.

5. AI's potential in the classroom
The session explored how AI can be used to improve education, particularly in developing IT professionals who can address both technological and ethical challenges.

6. Updating KPI's Honor Code to address AI
There was a proposal to update KPI’s Honor Code to reflect the rapid development of AI, incorporating ethical principles for future engineers​(Enhancing Pedagogical T…).

 

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Session 4: Exploring the Social Impact of Migration in the Context of Sustainable Development in the EU and Ukraine

Moderator: Dr. Maxym Yenin, Associate Professor, PhD in Sociology, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Key Speakers:

• Dr. Wojciech Marchwica, manager of the IFU (Incubating Freedom – Ukraine) project conducted by Perspektywy as part of the Erasmus program
• Olexiy Antipovych, Head of Sociological Group "Rating"
• Inta Mieryna, Director, Center for Diaspora and Migration Studies, University of Latvia

 

1. Supporting Ukrainian refugees in the EU
The session focused on developing strategies to support Ukrainian refugees in gaining IT and Industry 4.0 skills, which are in high demand in the European labor market.

2. Addressing challenges faced by refugees
Issues such as the uncertainty of refugees’ future plans, language barriers, and reluctance to change professions were identified as key obstacles to effective integration.

3. Reintegration strategies for de-occupied territories
The need for comprehensive reintegration strategies for Ukraine’s de-occupied regions, including addressing infrastructure, employment, and local governance challenges, was emphasized.

4. Improving access to educational and professional development for refugees
Educational programs tailored to the needs of Ukrainian refugees were proposed, focusing on reskilling and adapting to the labor market demands in their host countries.

5. Collaboration with European universities
Cooperation between Ukrainian and European universities was highlighted as a key strategy for helping refugees acquire the skills needed for sustainable employment.

6. Addressing societal challenges in de-occupied regions
The discussion included recommendations for improving dialogue between local communities and authorities in de-occupied areas to facilitate effective recovery efforts.

7. Reducing corruption and improving resource allocation
Corruption and bureaucratic hurdles in the reconstruction of de-occupied areas were discussed as major barriers to progress, with calls for transparency and better management of resources​.