PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Abstract

The article examines public–private partnership as a contemporary instrument for the modernisation of the vocational and higher education system under transformational changes driven by digitalisation, martial law, economic instability, and the increasing demands of regional labour markets. The necessity of strengthening cooperation among educational institutions, public authorities, local self-government bodies, business entities, and civil society is substantiated in order to improve the quality of educational services, upgrade material and technical infrastructure, and ensure the sustainable development of educational institutions.

Scientific approaches to the interpretation of public–private partnership in both domestic and international research are analysed. The main conceptual models applied in international practice are systematised, including the Private Finance Initiative, Service Provision Project, Alternative Financing and Procurement, and Private Sector Participation. The key characteristics of partnership are identified, namely: the multilateral nature of stakeholders, complexity of objectives, results-oriented approach, parity of responsibility, long-term cooperation, and a formalised framework of interaction.

The prerequisites for the feasibility of implementing public–private partnership in education are generalised, and challenges at the national, institutional, and production levels that necessitate the involvement of the private sector in workforce training are characterised. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of international experience in implementing partnership models in vocational education, as well as to the identification of classification criteria according to the number of participants, areas of interaction, depth of partnership, and volume of investment.

Special emphasis is placed on an empirical study of public–private partnership within the Vinnytsia territorial community during 2023–2025. The findings indicate that PPP functions as an effective mechanism of communication between public authorities, business, and the community, facilitating digital transformation, social cohesion, support for internally displaced persons and veterans, entrepreneurship development, and the implementation of recovery projects. Positive outcomes, key constraints, and trends in the further development of partnership at the regional level are identified.

Based on the research results, recommendations are formulated for improving public–private partnership mechanisms in the education system of Ukraine, particularly in terms of standardising vocational training, expanding dual education, enhancing the prestige of skilled trades, forecasting skills demand, and ensuring the continuity of educational pathways.