Social functions of regional universities during the modernization of Russian higher education

The modernization of higher education in Russia (structural changes, innovative instruction methods, practice-based learning) goes hand in hand with the transformation of its social functions. The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize the social functions of regional universities. The concept of regional functions reflects the activity of regional higher education institutions that is in high demand and significant for the sustainable territorial development. The paper highlights and describes staff assistance, life necessities, communicative, integrative, futuristic, information and awareness-raising, identification functions. The research results give a full picture of these functions and their changes in the context of the higher education modernization. These findings can be used as a theoretical basis for the development and implementation of targeted programs responsible for the social improvement of regional universities.