She embarked on her journey as an "internationalist" 10 years ago and has since relentlessly continued her scientific mission. Olha Bulgakova, who had already distinguished herself in her school as a talented head of the Student Scientific Society and a coordinator of youth educational programs, became the best master's graduate in December 2021. She continues her academic self-improvement as a PhD student at the Karazin Institute of International Relations and Travel Business.
Here’s how she reveals the novelty of her dissertation research:
"Domestic innovations, especially in the defense industry sector, have real potential to become our main 'trump card' not only in countering the main adversary but also in the international peacekeeping technology market, including AI-related fields. Such Ukrainian processes have long been observed by the most developed democratic countries in this direction, notably the Swiss Confederation, which has been recognized as the world's most innovative economy for 14 consecutive years according to the Global Innovation Index. Therefore, with such a fertile 'potential of the future' already operating in real-time, constantly improving amidst the tragedy of war and other extraordinary challenges, as well as having a strong and reliable ally like Switzerland, I believe that Ukraine’s economic landscape has undeniable grounds to attract direct foreign investments and secure a worthy position among the most innovation-driven economies not only in the EU but also on a global scale."
How did your journey with Karazin University begin?
Karazin Alma Mater is undoubtedly the most powerful time machine that has ‘embedded’ superpowers in me for achieving a series of life-changing and decisive experiences in the shortest possible timeframe. I believe the uniqueness of Kharkiv as a historic metropolis of student aspirations in general, and our university as the primary catalyst for this, did the most important thing for my entire future career: I learned to turn dreams into goals with measurable achievements and to constantly build my 'planet' of values and positive energy, regardless of internal and external circumstances.
If we switch to 'the language of numbers,' my path as a 'Karazin student' and, accordingly, an 'internationalist' began in 2016 — almost 10 years ago. Currently, I am eagerly anticipating my upcoming teaching practice, which this time will be a component of my PhD program in the specialty "International Economic Relations." This third year of study is pivotal in my 'journey' toward earning a PhD, making it the busiest and most exciting phase. My enthusiasm for future teaching stems from my general passion for educational activities, as well as my years of successful practice in this field within my public and professional engagements.
How did your life as a researcher change with the start of the full-scale war?
I became a PhD student in the first year of the war, in September 2022. Before that, it was a literal '24/7 non-stop' volunteer effort with my team from the 'Kharkiv Assistance Headquarters' from the very beginning of hostilities. However, to stay on track with my pre-war academic achievements, alongside the whirlwind of constant organizational, communication, and translation tasks to support civilians and our defenders, I initiated independent research in June 2022: "Notes on Ukraine’s Gender Crisis from the East: Through Death and Brain Drain." This became my 'lifesaving pill' to keep a cool head in emotionally overwhelming circumstances.
Having maintained a long-term academic focus on the gender-economic and demographic-psychological issues of Ukrainian society through the lens of European integration transformations before the full-scale war, I simply started 'documenting' the most challenging phase, sharing my findings with friends and colleagues abroad. They, in turn, spread this information through media, academic circles, and beyond. The final result turned out to be unexpectedly far-reaching: in addition to increased European solidarity towards the problems faced by women in our region, realized through targeted aid to a significant number of such individuals, I was also invited to participate in several leading EU scientific projects, including Horizon Europe.
Were you able to implement your ongoing research projects, particularly your dissertation, despite the war conditions?
As I mentioned, my gender project came first, followed by dissertation work, and later other exciting 'scientific adventures,' with a special role belonging to my research on cybersecurity for displaced Ukrainians abroad and the specifics of their temporary protection status across all EU member states. I hope that the outcomes of my research will contribute to improving the quality of life for our compatriots, particularly women.
What topics does your academic work focus on?
My dissertation research allows me to pursue my second 'passion' for academic self-realization, which has been growing over the years and is finally taking practical form — and I hope it will have significance for our victorious economic renaissance. By examining Ukraine-Switzerland strategic partnership through the prism of innovation eclecticism (Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0), I not only emphasize the uniqueness and relevance of domestic achievements in high-tech industries as the most attractive and secure direction for foreign investments but also develop a new model for Ukrainian-Swiss economic cooperation, taking into account the geopolitical landscape of both countries. My academic supervisor is Valerii Reznikov, Doctor of Public Administration, PhD in Economics, Professor of the Department of International Economic Relations and Logistics, who remains the 'spiritual father' for most of our faculty’s graduates who continue their careers in key political roles in Ukraine and abroad.
In your opinion, how can science be advanced in Ukraine today, and what urgent issues should be addressed?
As is well known, "tough times create strong people," who, in turn, create good times. Thus, the current challenges faced by every Ukrainian, and therefore every scientist, have become and continue to be that biblical darkness from which true, unquenchable light emerges — the light of life-affirming discoveries. I believe this is ingrained in our mentality at the genetic level.
All this leads to one conclusion: our national academic community continues to evolve under any conditions and circumstances, which is very clearly observable over time. However, the main problem remains the same as it was thirty or forty years ago: program-targeted funding for research and development remains modest in scale.
How do you see the development of Ukrainian science after the war?
In my opinion, the most dangerous threshold of despair and uncertainty has already been crossed, both in terms of the personal mindset of individuals and the overall 'energy field' of the national academic front. The war has intensified international solidarity and comprehensive support, particularly for Ukrainian researchers. For example, being involved in various international projects, we not only have greater opportunities than ever before to absorb external knowledge and practices but also to disseminate our own.
I am referring to the unique Ukrainian experience in teaching, research, coordination, and organization of university-based and individual educational initiatives in general — and during the war, in particular.
Therefore, our super-task as the Ukrainian scientific community is to 'squeeze' the maximum even from such crisis circumstances: to engage and retain the support of as many leading international think tanks, foundations, and private donors as possible, who will encourage Ukraine’s economic miracle, particularly by investing in our R&D. When this step is achieved, and as a next or parallel step, state budget allocations to this sector and the innovation ecosystem increase, Ukrainian science will confidently stand on the right 'tracks,' guiding it toward new victorious peaks and boundless horizons of inspiration and opportunities. I strongly believe and hope for precisely this scenario.
Today, when the country is at war, scientists need not only urgent support but also hope... What keeps you going, motivates, and inspires you?
I have great confidence in the dignity and talents of our academic 'agents of change' and their superior mission, which is exactly that — without exaggeration — given the internal and external environment in which each of us finds ourselves.
Your greatest achievement in 2024?
Successfully graduating from the Estonian School of Diplomacy — one of my projects related to the digital security of our compatriots abroad, which I have already mentioned, and whose practical results I can now witness. And, of course, all those little 'handmade miracles,' as I call them, realized with my like-minded team within the volunteer initiatives where I still have the honor to help.
What role has your PhD journey played in your life?
You know, no matter what happened to me during these most dreadful, war-stricken years, since September 2022, I have had a safe haven — a kind of harbor of hope — and the fulfillment of one of the most significant goals of this period in my life. That is, as before, my beloved Karazin.
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