Development Strategy of the National Aerospace University
“Kharkiv Aviation Institute” for 2026–2030
Approved by:
The Academic Council of the
National Aerospace University
“Kharkiv Aviation Institute”
Minutes No. 10 dated April 22, 2026
Enacted by Rector's Order No. 187 dated April 22, 2026
General Principles
In the modern world, technological universities play a pivotal role in shaping the knowledge economy, ensuring the technological sovereignty of nations, and creating innovative solutions for global challenges. They serve as spaces where fundamental science, engineering creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking converge, fostering an environment for the creation of new technologies and the training of professionals capable of defining the future.
The National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” is one of the leading centers for engineering education and scientific research in the field of aviation and space technologies in Eastern Europe. The university has established a powerful scientific and educational school that combines fundamental research with practical engineering design of complex technical systems – from aerodynamics and engine building to digital control technologies, materials science, robotics, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.
The university's uniqueness lies in its integrated aerospace engineering ecosystem, formed over decades, which unites educational programs, fundamental scientific research, applied engineering developments, and experimental infrastructure. The university's own material and technical base consists of specialized research laboratories, aerodynamic complexes, experimental production facilities, test benches, pilot production capacities, engineering centers, and training aircraft. This infrastructure enables the independent realization of the full technology development cycle: from scientific ideas and modeling to experimental verification and practical implementation.
This forms a unique educational model for the university, within which students and researchers are involved in working with real engineering systems, acquiring the professional competencies necessary to create complex high-tech products and the ability to work at the intersection of key sectors: aviation and astronautics, information technology, materials science, energy, and systems engineering.
The National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” evolves as a higher education institution that integrates fundamental engineering education, interdisciplinary research, and technological entrepreneurship, forming a new generation of engineers capable of working across aviation, space, IT, materials science, energy, and systems engineering.
A distinctive feature of the university's strategic development is its frontline location (Kharkiv), which provides its activities with a new strategic dimension. In turn, strategic and sectoral challenges under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine have necessitated the formation of a new model of university resilience, where the safety of the educational environment is built on a symbiosis of continuous innovative pursuit and the capacity for rapid adaptation.
The university consistently develops a modern infrastructure for a safe educational and research space, ensuring the continuity of learning, scientific research, and international cooperation. In parallel, a digital educational environment is evolving, connecting students, scientists, alumni, and partners into a single intellectual network.
Under the conditions of martial law and Ukraine's future post-war recovery, the role of engineering universities is growing significantly. The modern aerospace industry, unmanned systems, new materials, control systems, artificial intelligence, and energy and transport technologies are key elements in ensuring the state's defense capability and economic modernization.
In view of this, the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” considers its mission to be the formation of the country's technological potential through the training of personnel capable of creating and implementing new design and technological solutions for national defense, infrastructure restoration, and the development of high-tech industrial sectors.
The university serves as a platform for cooperation between science, industry, business, the state, and society. This model of interaction creates favorable conditions for an innovative ecosystem where scientific research is transformed into ready-to-use technological solutions, startups, and new industrial practices.
The university pays special attention to the development of international integration, actively engaging in global scientific networks, educational alliances, and joint research programs. This ensures the exchange of knowledge, access to cutting-edge technologies, and an increase in the university's international competitiveness.
The foundation of the university's development is an academic culture based on the principles of integrity, responsibility, engineering precision, openness to innovation, and mutual trust. It is this culture that determines the quality of education, the level of scientific research, and the university's ability to shape new generations of engineers and researchers.
The university's development strategy is based on the principles of technological leadership, innovativeness, interdisciplinarity, and social responsibility. The university strives to be a space for creating new technologies, generating knowledge, and developing talents that will define the future of Ukraine as a modern technological state.
Values
1. Innovativeness. The ability of the university community to generate new ideas, create technological solutions, and foster an environment where science, education, and engineering creativity mutually reinforce each other.
2. Resilience. Creating a safe infrastructure for learning and research, developing a digital educational environment, supporting the academic community, and preserving the country's intellectual potential. This involves the university's active participation in developing technological solutions necessary for national security and the post-war recovery of Ukraine.
3. Inclusivity. Cultivating an open and safe educational environment where everyone has equal opportunities for learning, research, and professional development. This entails the development of a barrier-free space, respect for diversity, support for academic freedom, and the active participation of all university community members in shaping a common future.
4. Human-Centricity. Creating an environment where every student, teacher, and scientist has the opportunity to unlock their potential, receive support, and feel their value to the community. This is manifested in building the educational process with regard to individual needs and capabilities, developing a culture of mental health, providing psychological support, and fostering an atmosphere of trust. Furthermore, it involves mutual respect and open dialogue among all participants in the educational process, involvement in decision-making, and responsibility for shared results.
5. Leadership. The driving force that inspires individuals and teams to achieve ambitious goals. Every scientific project requires an energetic and responsible participant who supports others and directs the team toward results. Such qualities are formed through participation in university initiatives and competitive programs, where a leader learns to coordinate work and lead the team forward.
6. Patriotism. The foundation that encourages acting in the interests of Ukraine and worthily representing its scientific achievements. At the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute,” this value defines the behavior of students and staff: a responsible attitude toward studies and work, a desire to develop the national aerospace industry, and a commitment to strengthening the country's authority in the world.
Mission
We train leaders and create innovations in the aerospace sphere to ensure the sustainable and safe development of Ukraine and the world.
Vision
The National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” is a leading scientific and educational center of the aviation and aerospace industry, as well as the information and intelligent technology industries. It combines fundamental knowledge with engineering and technological innovations, forms new industry directions in partnership with the state, business, and the world, and actively integrates into the global scientific space. The university develops human capital and prepares next-generation leaders while remaining a responsible, resilient, and inclusive institution focused on the safe and sustainable development of Ukraine.
Challenges
Systemic:
– asynchrony between the rhythms of technological change and the scales of thinking in the scientific centers of Ukraine versus other civilized countries;
– persistence of post-totalitarian transition flaws, significant deindustrialization, and obstruction of the potential of scientific schools in the fields of engineering and technology;
– elimination of fundamental research in favor of applied research, prioritizing quick results over long-term projects;
– outflow of applicants and students to central and western regions of Ukraine and abroad, resulting in a narrowing of the national educational base and loss of human capital;
– increase in documentation, time-, and resource-consuming procedures not directly related to scientific and pedagogical activities, which significantly reduce productivity;
– intensifying competition for students and scientists in the global educational market, particularly from leading international universities and online educational platforms.
War-induced:
– weakening of the university's human resource potential due to internal migration (to rear regions of Ukraine) and external migration of scientific and pedagogical staff;
– targeted attacks by the Russian Federation on centers of higher education and science in Ukraine as a means to weaken intellectual potential and undermine the main foundations of national reproduction;
– damage and destruction of the university's fixed assets due to hostile attacks;
– significant deurbanization of industrially developed regions of the country due to Russian armed aggression and temporary occupation of territories;
– the complex psychological state and emotional burnout of participants in the educational and scientific processes.
Guiding Principles
1. For the Benefit of Humanity and Nature – forming a humanitarian dimension in the field of engineering and technology development, manifested through the integration of ethical, social, and environmental considerations into educational programs, scientific research, and engineering solutions.
2. For Ensuring Effective Defense Capability of Ukraine in repelling Russian armed aggression, manifested by aligning educational programs and scientific research with the needs of the security and defense sector, developing defense technologies, training specialists for security and defense forces, and collaborating with state and military institutions, as well as the private defense-tech business.
3. For Resilience as the ability to maintain the capacity to fulfill the social mission under conditions of armed aggression, manifested in ensuring the continuity of the educational process and research, developing digital and distributed infrastructure, diversifying funding sources, supporting human resources, and implementing anti-crisis management practices.
4. For Innovativeness – producing new, distinct knowledge by establishing and developing new trends, and shifting research prioritization from exclusively applied to fundamental research, the value of which can be realized in the long term; this is manifested in supporting fundamental research, creating interdisciplinary scientific fields, engaging in international research programs, and fostering an environment that encourages long-term scientific projects and academic freedom.
5. For Leadership as the ability to lead and influence existing trends, manifested in shaping a new educational and scientific agenda, initiating breakthrough research areas, influencing national policy in education and science, and maintaining an active presence in international academic and technological communities while collaborating with small and medium-sized high-tech businesses.
Orientation
1. On combining visions of struggle and development, which means:
– maintaining a priority in educational and scientific activities on solving the urgent tasks of the state in the sphere of defense, and technologizing approaches, methods, and means for the effective repelling of the Russian Federation's armed aggression;
– viewing the post-war period as an interbellum, during which a balance must be established between fundamental and applied research capable of ensuring Ukraine's technological superiority in potential future armed conflicts.
2. On Humanity, which means:
– a scale of thinking and research that meets the demands of humanity and Ukraine as a part of it;
– positioning Ukraine in a global context as one of the centers for offering technological innovations important to humanity as a whole;
– the university's pursuit of globalization, realized through the development of international scientific research and partnerships, participation in international educational and research programs, implementation of joint and double degree programs, and integration into global academic and technological networks.
Strategic Goals
1. To create a new model of interaction with industry and regional ecosystems through the development of strategic partnerships, joint projects, and dual and non-formal education, ensuring the practical orientation of education and the university's impact on the economic development of regions.
2. To transform the university into a modern innovation campus through infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and the development of open space for learning and research, thereby creating an attractive, safe, and resilient environment for the university community.
3. To integrate the university into the international scientific space through double degree programs, joint research, and academic mobility, increasing the university's international visibility and competitiveness while integrating it into the international community of technical universities and research centers as an active participant in joint research, educational programs, and innovation projects.
4. To conceptualize the university's research activity and innovativeness by supporting priority research, interdisciplinary teams, and the commercialization of results, ensuring a technological breakthrough in the aviation, aerospace, security, and info-communication sectors.
5. To improve education quality and academic standards through the update of educational programs, development of teaching excellence, and internal quality assurance systems, guaranteeing the training of world-class specialists and ensuring the university's leadership in training aerospace industry professionals.
6. To transform the university into an international aerospace hub and a center of influence on national development and security, integrating advanced science and modern education for the effective functioning of a sustainable innovation space.
Strategic Tasks
Development of Interaction with Industry and Regional Ecosystems (Industrial and Socio-Economic Activity)
1. Expand the system of strategic partnerships with enterprises in the aviation, defense, machine-building, IT, and energy sectors.
2. Implement dual education programs in cooperation with key industrial partners.
3. Create sectoral engineering centers jointly with enterprises to implement applied research and development.
4. Develop a system of internships, apprenticeships, and real-world engineering projects for students based at partner companies.
5. Form regional technology clusters in cooperation with businesses, government authorities, and scientific institutions.
6. Develop a support system for engineering entrepreneurship, startups, and technology transfer.
7. Implement a project-oriented and performance-based system for the selection and training of postgraduate and doctoral students, conducting research and development on topics vital to the region and the country.
8. Establish training and qualification centers focusing on modern technologies (robotics, security, artificial intelligence, etc.).
Transformation of the University into a Modern Innovation Campus (Infrastructural and Social Development)
1. Modernize the university's material and technical base in accordance with modern technological standards.
2. Create a modern laboratory and research space for engineering and interdisciplinary research.
3. Develop a secure campus infrastructure, including a protected educational and research space.
4. Ensure the digital transformation of the university through the implementation of modern information systems for management, learning, and research.
5. Develop an open innovation space for student projects, engineering creativity, and startups.
6. Foster a barrier-free and inclusive environment for learning, work, and research.
7. Implement principles of energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development in campus management.
Integration of the University into the International Scientific Space (International Activity)
1. Expand the network of strategic partnerships with leading universities and research centers worldwide.
2. Develop double degree programs and joint educational programs with international partners.
3. Strengthen the university's participation in international scientific projects, consortia, and grant programs.
4. Develop the academic mobility of students, faculty, and researchers.
5. Attract leading foreign lecturers, scientists, and experts to the university's educational and scientific projects.
6. Expand the university's participation in international scientific networks, professional associations, and technological alliances.
7. Increase the university's international visibility through scientific publications, conferences, and participation in global rankings.
Conceptualization of Research Activity and Innovativeness
1. Identify and support priority research areas in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and information technologies.
2. Create interdisciplinary research teams to solve complex scientific and technological challenges.
3. Develop research infrastructure, including modern laboratories, testing complexes, and digital modeling platforms.
4. Increase the volume of external funding for scientific research.
5. Support the publication activity of scientists in leading international scientific journals.
6. Develop a system for the commercialization of research results, technology transfer, and engineering entrepreneurship.
7. Stimulate the involvement of students and young scientists in scientific projects and innovation activities.
8. Create a system for active and productive inventive work involving students, postgraduates, and teachers, including patenting results at national and international levels.
Improving Education Quality and Academic Standards
1. Implement project-oriented and interdisciplinary learning in engineering training.
2. Develop a system for the professional growth of teachers and the enhancement of their pedagogical mastery.
3. Implement modern digital technologies, tools, and artificial intelligence instruments into the educational process.
4. Develop an internal quality assurance system for education in accordance with international standards.
5. Ensure close integration of education, science, and engineering practice.
6. Support the development of student research, engineering, and startup initiatives.
Transforming the University into an International Aerospace Hub and Center of Influence on National Development and Security
1. Develop unique, open research and testing ranges, as well as aerodynamic, unmanned, and space test benches.
2. Develop infrastructure for the full life cycle of developments.
3. Initiate and coordinate national aerospace and aviation programs and demonstration missions (specifically in the areas of UAVs, small satellites, and defense technologies).
4. Establish a technology and systems certification center oriented toward international standards.
5. Develop the university brand as a key aerospace center in Europe through participation in global events, exhibitions, and industry initiatives.
6. Create an environment for the integration of defense, civil, and space technologies to ensure synergy between different segments of the aerospace industry.
7. Establish a university-based aerospace complex (KhAI Aerospace Hub) that ensures a full cycle of technology development and implementation, realizes specialized educational and certification programs in avionics, engine building, space systems, and UAVs, and provides expert consulting support.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPI 1: The share of graduates employed in their specialty at partner companies within 6–12 months after graduation, involved in high-tech sectors (aerospace, defense-tech, AI, robotics), shall be no less than 65% within 6 months;
KPI 2: Ensure the full accreditation of at least 55% of the university's educational programs by 2030;
KPI 3: Number of educational programs implemented through dual education – at least 2 programs annually;
KPI 4: The share of extra-budgetary income (grants, contracts, commercialization) in the overall structure of university revenue – at least 50% by 2030.
KPI 5: Establish and ensure the functioning of an innovation (scientific) incubator to support scientific research, development, and startup projects by 2030;
KPI 6: The average salary of scientific and pedagogical staff shall be no lower than 60% of the level of universities in Central Europe by 2030.
KPI 7: attraction of financial resources for the development of the university's material and technical base, including the creation of modern STEM laboratories, innovative and research spaces, digital educational infrastructure, as well as specialized centers in priority areas: creation of at least 3 STEM laboratories and at least 4 laboratories and innovative spaces by 2029;
KPI 8: share of the educational process implemented in a blended format – at least 60% of programs;
KPI 9: level of student involvement in project and research activities – at least 30%;
KPI 10: international certification of infrastructure (safety / sustainability / labs) – at least 2 certified centers by 2030;
KPI 11: student satisfaction index (NPS or equivalent) – at least +50%;
KPI 12: share of students participating in international academic mobility programs or studying under double degree programs – at least 10–15% by 2030;
KPI 13: share of scientific and pedagogical staff involved in international educational or research projects – at least 30% by 2030;
KPI 14: share of international students – at least 15–20%;
KPI 15: share of educational programs in English – at least 25%;
KPI 16: number of double degree programs with leading universities – at least 10 programs by 2030;
KPI 17: formation of the university's financial reserve at a level of at least 4 months of operating expenses by 2030.
KPI 18: number of university activities in international technological alliances, consortia, and research initiatives – at least 10 activities annually;
KPI 19: average citation index (h-index) of the university or key scientific units – an increase of at least 20% by 2030;
KPI 20: number of publications in Q1+Q2 journals (Scopus / WoS) – at least 10% of the total number;
KPI 21: number of patents (national, international, PCT) – at least 10 per year;
KPI 22: number of technologies reached to TRL 6 – at least 5 developments by 2027;
KPI 23: increase in revenue from technology commercialization by at least 5-7% annually;
KPI 24: number of interdisciplinary laboratories / centers – at least 8 by 2030;
KPI 25: competitive success rate of graduates in national or international professional / accreditation rankings;
KPI 26: improvement of the university's position in national and international rankings;
KPI 27: number of students participating in international competitions / hackathons / engineering contests – at least 5%;
KPI 28: university position in international subject rankings – entering the top 500 universities by 2030;
KPI 29: number of technological solutions for the defense capability / recovery of Ukraine – at least 5 implemented solutions by 2030;
KPI 30: participation in state recovery / industrialization programs – at least 5 projects.
The University Development Strategy serves as an adaptive management tool, providing for the regular review and updating of its provisions in light of changes in the external environment, challenges, and development opportunities. Under the influence of external factors and the state's strategic priorities, individual elements of the strategy may be refined or adjusted annually. This will ensure the flexibility of management decisions while simultaneously preserving the strategic identity and recognition of the university within the national and international educational and scientific space.