EDUCATION AS A BASIS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN REGIONS

Vocational education is the engine that propels Russian regions forward. All other development indices, such as migration sentiments, quality of life, and social stability, rely heavily on its effectiveness. Simultaneously, the vocational education system is under pressure from both the development of the digital economy and the regional labor market, as well as the level of development of the regional economy. It is also influenced by foreign competition from educationally stronger regions, which stimulates young people to leave. In this context, analyzing the vocational education system of Russia's industrial region (Kuzbass) in order to uncover potential reserves and development opportunities is significant and promising. The base of this development is primarily universities, which serve as the foundation of each region's educational system. The development of modern student campuses, the development of educational infrastructure, and the updating of university educational programs will allow not only for the development of urban environments and the preservation of urban human resources, but also for the creation of conditions for the long-term development of the industrial region as a whole.