Karazin University Vice-Rector Liliia Hrynevych Comments to “Kommersant” on Preserving Human Capital in Ukraine

The publication Kommersant Ukraine featured an extensive comment from Liliia Hrynevych, Vice-Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and former Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine (2016–2019), regarding the challenges associated with youth migration and the preservation of human capital in Ukraine.

At the discussion forum for educators and employers, “You Can’t Keep Youth, You Can’t Let Them Go,” organized by Kommersant Ukraine, Liliia Hrynevych presented a report on the results of recent research in this field. The problem, she noted, is that currently only 45% of high school students plan to remain in Ukraine, whereas a few years ago this figure was 85%. According to Hrynevych, the issue requires a systemic solution at the state level.

"Without targeted support for the best universities, we will see an outflow of faculty and researchers abroad. The state has already invested significant resources in their training, and losing this potential would be catastrophic," emphasized Liliia Hrynevych.

The Vice-Rector stressed that a comprehensive youth retention strategy should include not only quality education but also the creation of conditions for professional development and a decent life in Ukraine. Among the urgent tasks, she highlighted career guidance for school students, development of social adaptation systems, support for educators, and increasing the prestige of the teaching profession.

The article concludes that the outflow of students and researchers is not merely an educational issue, but a key matter of national security and human capital development. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated efforts from the state, universities, and employers.

V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, as a leading higher education institution in eastern Ukraine, consistently advocates for the preservation of the country’s scientific and educational potential. The university proudly acknowledges that its academic community actively participates in shaping public discourse on education and science and proposes initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s educational landscape.

The full article can be accessed via the link.