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Sustainability Governance: Legal, Economic, and Institutional Mechanisms"

No. 2 Thematic Issue (2025): Thematic Issue Sustainability Governance: Legal, Economic, and Institutional Mechanisms, Guest Editors: Karlis Ketners, Vitalii Kotsur

The Role of Business Schools in the Post-War Recovery of National Economies

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/riss2025oa21090
Submitted
23 settembre 2025
Published
30-12-2025

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the ways in which business schools can contribute to the restoration of a country’s national economy following the end of a war, and to examine the potential implementation of such practices in Ukraine. The research analysed the successful experience of American business schools in contributing to economic recovery in the post-war period. Additionally, an analysis of the operational environment of business schools in Ukraine was conducted based on statistical data, in order to assess the feasibility of applying American practices within the Ukrainian context. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of business entities in Ukraine increased by 12.41%. In 2020, the country recorded a high ease of doing business score (80.9 out of 100), and in 2022, the human capital development index stood at 0.734 out of 1.0. It was established that, by adapting curricula and implementing new teaching strategies, American business schools made a significant contribution to the country’s economic recovery following the World War II. These strategies included prompt responses to labour market demands and to changes in national economic activity. An analysis of high-quality internationally accredited business schools was conducted, revealing that the development of such institutions in Ukraine remains problematic. The primary obstacles to their effective functioning stem from the instability of the external socio-economic environment resulting from the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, as well as from the declining performance of educational institutions. For business schools to make a meaningful contribution to post-war reconstruction, following the American example, it is crucial to implement relevant strategies and teaching approaches that respond swiftly to societal changes and foster leadership among business school graduates.

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