SIGNIFICANCE OF SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

More advancement in scientific activity is necessary to reevaluate the challenges of modern world and their possible solutions. Research-based solutions can be effective for the development of numerous fields as well as for resolving issues in economic, social, cultural, or other spheres. This was demonstrated by the Covid-19 pandemic, when the vaccination was created. The vaccination as a consequence of a scientific approach led to stop the pandemic. Accordingly, it is crucial to support the growth and development of research activities and encourage scientific activities among students in universities and higher education institutions1 where the teaching-learning process and research activities are carried out, new knowledge and experience are created. This is done in order to update and consolidate existing knowledge, as well as to create new knowledge and integrate it into the educational process and the economy. The goal of this paper is to reveal the activities of universities and teaching universities in the field of higher education. It does this by providing an overview of international studies, a general discussion of the significance and role of scientific-research activities in the development of higher education, as well as the findings of research carried out in Georgia. The paper includes both an overview of international studies, a general discussion of the importance and role of research activities in the development of higher education, and the qualitative research results conducted in Georgia, the purpose of which is to reveal the activities of universities and educational institutions in the field of higher education. In this process, employees of the research departments from 10 Georgian universities/teaching universities, who are presented in the study as experts in the field were interviewed (in general 15 experts). The novelty of the study consists in its description of the challenges facing Georgia’s higher education system, as well as the identification of the role that research activities play in the activities and development of universities. The main findings of the research can be considered that the primary function and role of universities is to transfer existing knowledge to younger generations, as well as to create new knowledge. Through their research initiatives, universities play a significant role in the creation of new knowledge, which contributes to the formation of highly qualified personnel and develops various fields. Also, the issue of raising adequate funds for research and internationalization of research, which will increase the accessibility of scientific projects to local and international markets, remains an important challenge.