UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES IN 2035: VISION-BASED APPROACH FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN ESTONIA

Abstract

This article analyzes the success factors that would ensure and support the future of
professional higher education alongside (traditional) university education. The paradigm of the
binary higher education system is changing, the key question is in which direction professional
higher education should develop and who defines the needs of trends.
The purpose of the current article is to describe the development of professional higher
education in Estonia in general, and in this context, the recent trends in labour market, skills and
new knowledge necessary for graduates of universities of applied sciences (UAS), are
examined.
The first part of the current article focuses on the general developments and trends of
professional higher education in the 21st century, e.g. lifelong learning, more quick changes for
professional requirements, and importance of access to education in regional centers. The
second part describes the changes in the labour market, new skills and knowledge and
emphasizes the close cooperation of universities of applied sciences and employers. The third
part concentrates on the analysis of main factors influencing professional higher education in
Estonia. It gives an overview of the legal environment, key performance indicators as the
number of admissions, the number of students, the number of graduates as well as the
dynamics of financial support for universities of applied sciences in 2014-2019 in the context of
economical and legislation changes in Estonia. Presentation and understanding of current
situation analysis of strengths and weaknesses is the foundation for the content and role of
professional higher education in the future. In the end of the overview recommendations are
given to guarantee the sustainable, competitive and high-quality professional higher education.
Key words: university of applied sciences, future trends, key performance indicators,
regional development, labour market.