Higher education in the Ural macro-region: possibilities for nonlinear development

Introduction: the article shows that the optimisation and restructuring of the higher education system in Russia and especially in the regions (subjects of Federation) and the macro-regions (federal districts) do not lead to the expected results, primarily at the regional level. The authors prove the necessity of searching for ways of nonlinear development of the higher education, that helps to minimise the risks and negative consequences of this process. The purpose of the article is to identify the opportunities for nonlinear development of the higher education system in the macro-region through the formation of network interaction between the higher educational institutions of the federal district as a key factor in solving economic, social and cultural problems. Materials and Methods: the interdisciplinary methodology is used, which includes the principles of the theory of nonlinearity, network, system and institutional analysis, exchange theory, theories of stakeholders and resource dependence. The empirical base of the research includes the statistic data, and the results of a semi-formalised in-depth expert interview. Results: the research on the processes taking place in the higher education of the Ural Federal District shows contradictions and difficulties caused by liquidation of separate higher education institutions, by the disunity and distancing of educational organisations, science, business, authority, the absence of a higher school system in the macro-region that could successfully promote the development of the district. The article deals with a new, nonlinear understanding of universities network interaction between the main educational communities, academic mobility within the macro-region, university relations with science, economy, authority, stakeholders. The necessity for normative regulation of these relations within the subjects of the Federation and federal districts is underlined. Discussion and Conclusions: the results of the research and their discussions with the representatives of the public authorities show wide possibilities of introducing into the higher education system of a macro-region at least some components of the nonlinear model.