Responses to the Challenges of Training and Retaining Scholars in Russian Academia

Abstract

he Russian higher education system is currently facing the mounting challenges of competition, internationalisation, restrictions on academic freedom, inequalities in access, massification, academic dishonesty and corruption. This paper discusses how Russian universities are able to develop, attract and retain academics in the profession under such difficult conditions. Analysing two recent and ongoing large-scale measures − the reform of doctoral education (staff development) and effective contracts (employee retention) – the author argues that the remaining improper dependencies among the actors and institutions involved should be considered more seriously. This case might be applicable beyond Russia and other post-Soviet countries, as anti-corruption reforms can often result in unintended consequences.