DEVELOPMENT OF STEM EDUCATION IN UKRAINE: PROSPECTS FOR BUILDING AN INNOVATIVE SOCIETY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the implementation of STEM education in Ukraine, which represents an important step toward the modernization of the national education system and responds to current global challenges. The article provides a detailed analysis of the key aspects of STEM education, which integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with a focus on their practical application. Special attention is given to the role of STEM education in preparing young people for careers in high-tech industries, which is a crucial factor in addressing modern economic and social challenges, especially in the context of Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The importance of developing STEM competencies among youth, fostering interest in research activities, and cultivating creative thinking—as the foundation of an innovation-driven culture—is highlighted. The article addresses current problems in implementing STEM education in Ukraine, including the low level of teacher training and lack of necessary material and technical resources. Directions for reforming the educational process are outlined, including the creation of STEM centers and laboratories, improvement of teaching methods, and enhancement of teacher qualifications. An essential step is the integration of STEM education with industrial needs through partnerships with research institutions and employers, which will contribute to the development of innovative technologies in Ukraine. The study also emphasizes the need to establish interactive platforms for experience exchange and to organize intellectual competitions that stimulate the creative potential of youth. Key aspects for achieving a high level of STEM education by 2027 are considered, particularly through the development of robotics, which should become a powerful tool for attracting students to technical specialties and supporting the country’s innovative potential. The article underscores that STEM education is a vital factor in developing an innovative society in Ukraine, enabling the resolution of critical economic and scientific challenges, promoting integration into the European educational space, and ensuring Ukraine’s competitiveness on the global stage.