INNOVATION ENVIRONMENT AS A CONDITION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and practical foundations of forming an innovative environment in higher education under conditions of digital transformation and growing competition in the educational services market. It substantiates that creating a favorable innovative environment is a key prerequisite for the effective development of higher education institutions, as it promotes the implementation of modern teaching technologies, the development of digital competencies among participants in the educational process, and the improvement of educational quality. The study identifies the main factors influencing the effectiveness of the innovative environment, including technological infrastructure, human resources, management mechanisms, and strategic principles of innovation development. Despite the presence of innovative practices in Ukrainian universities, the lack of a systemic innovation support framework reduces their overall effectiveness. The research emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to developing an innovative environment that includes the introduction of ICT, the cultivation of innovation culture among faculty and students, and the modernization of academic programs in line with labor market demands. The analysis of domestic and foreign research highlights key interpretations and models of an innovative educational environment. It is concluded that an effectively functioning innovative environment enhances the modernization of education, stimulates research activity, fosters creativity and analytical competence among students, and supports the integration of universities into the global educational space. The results have practical value for designing institutional development strategies aimed at implementing educational innovations, improving academic management, and strengthening the competitiveness of higher education institutions at both national and international levels.