THE ISSUE OF UNIVERSITY-LABOR MARKET COOPERATION IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

Abstract

This research investigates the structural and functional challenges of aligning higher education with labor market dynamics in the Republic of Armenia. In an era of rapid socio-economic shifts, the gap between academic outputs and the practical requirements of the modern economy has become a critical barrier to national development. The study employs a dual approach, combining a rigorous legislative review with a large-scale quantitative sociological survey conducted among 605 participants across four leading state universities: Yerevan State University, the Armenian State University of Economics, the Armenian State Pedagogical University, and the Yerevan State Medical University. The empirical findings reveal a significant systemic mismatch; although 66% of the academic community perceives a general correspondence between curricula and market needs, only a marginal 4% of respondents believe the current educational model provides sufficient professional readiness for immediate employment. Furthermore, the analysis identifies a strong stakeholder demand (71%) for institutionalizing employer participation in university governance through formal inclusion in boards of trustees and scientific councils. The research concludes that transitioning from passive cooperation to a structured co-management model is a strategic necessity for enhancing graduate employability and fostering a knowledge-based economy in Armenia. By providing an evidence-based evaluation of current cooperation formats, the study offers a roadmap for policy reforms aimed at integrating industry expertise directly into the higher education management landscape.