MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS FOR ENHANCING UNIVERSITY RANKINGS AND COMPETITIVENESS

This study analyzes the theoretical and practical aspects of ranking-oriented strategic management aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) within the context of globalization and the knowledge economy. The relevance of the research is driven by the inadequacy of traditional bureaucratic governance methods in meeting the dynamic requirements of international rankings (QS, THE). The primary goal is to develop a comprehensive strategic management model that eliminates institutional disparities between national governance practices and global ranking indicators. The methodological framework encompasses comparative-institutional analysis, clustering, hierarchical modeling, and benchmarking. As a result, a continuous "Input–Process–Output" model for evaluating university performance was created, alongside an integrated system linking managerial metrics with institutional strategy. The findings confirm that improving ranking metrics requires deep decentralization and the implementation of performance-based career management within HEIs. These conceptual approaches and developed models hold significant practical importance for ensuring the global competitiveness of the national higher education system and modernizing public administration.