KEY CONCEPTS AND FACTORS OF THE NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS’ COMPETITIVENESS

Modern state of higher education theories and key tendencies inherent to the development of the national higher education systems are under the main focus of the article. The main research objective is to examine the evolution of the higher education systems’ competitiveness theories, as well as to identify the key factors of the global competitiveness of the higher education systems. Methodological background includes the comprehensive approach and the system of general scientific principles. The main practical implications of the research can be used in the policy- and program-making processes as well as for the purposes of the strategic development of the higher education systems. The conducted research highlights the evolution and current state of the development of theories on higher education and its competitiveness, suggests the definition of the national higher education systems’ competitiveness, as well as distinguishes their main effectiveness factors. The transformation of the role that the higher education sector performs in modern societies together with the key development trends of higher education institutions are under consideration.