Vision of the third mission in Saint Petersburg State University and the universities of the Republic of Korea

Abstract

In the 21st century researchers redefine the role of universities in the life and development of society. Activities in this area have become so important that they are considered as a special mission along with the traditional educational and research missions. At the same time, no consensus has been formed yet on which areas of university activities should be in the centre of the third mission. Experts from Western universities put emphasis on the commercialization of the products of educational and especially research missions in the interests of the society. Our study examines the vision of the third mission at St. Petersburg State University, as well as at universities in the Republic of Korea. The material for the study make the speeches of the participants of the 9th Forum of Rectors of the leading Universities of Russia and the Republic of Korea as well as a wide range of information on this topic on the St. Petersburg University portal. The analysis showed the similarity of the approaches of St. Petersburg State University and Korean universities to interaction with society and industry. St. Petersburg State University meets the society’s expectations about education and development. Representatives of employers are involved in the development of specialized programs and evaluation of learning outcomes. Internships in research institutes and enterprises provide students with employment and future career growth. University pays a special attention to creating comfortable working conditions at the university, in which students and teachers are part of the local society. In addition, access to the university’s cultural and museum resources is open to all citizens.