Potential of student youth of HEIs as a factor of influence on the economy of the Republic of Crimea

Geographical location, natural resource potential, landscape and climatic conditions, health resort treatment, beach recreation, cultural and historical traditions define the Russian Crimea as one of the most popular domestic tourism destinations. Along with this, the peninsula is also an important regional center of education and science. The authors examined the state of the republic's higher education system and its impact on the economic sphere, emphasizing student youth as the main subject capable of making a significant contribution to the economic development of the region. In this regard, the task was set to investigate the potential of the student population studying in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Crimea, and their involvement in the socio-economic, labor and innovation spheres of the region. The article contains analytical data on the activities of higher educational institutions operating in the territory of the Republic, a brief review of educational programs, achievements in the field of scientific research. The authors point out the changes in the system of higher education of the peninsula, positively affecting its economic, social and cultural development.