Transformations  in
Business & Economics

Transition Society and Modernisation of the Higher Education System
Borisas Melnikas

ABSTRACT. The present state of university and professional education in Lithuania and major problems of its development are outlined. The possibilities of upgrading university and professional studies are evaluated, taking into account the processes associated with the integration of Lithuania into the European Union. At the preparation stage for integrating into EU an urgent problem arises associated with the development of university and professional studies in Lithuania in compliance with the standards accepted in the EU countries as well as the adaptation of studies to the requirements determined by: the formation of common labour market in the EU, fast advance of technology, intense internationalisation of economy, the formation of information society, new forms of competition, new prospects for developing international cooperation in the area of university and professional studies. In addition, the prospects of education development are analysed in the context of transitions characteristic of the states of Central and Eastern Europe.

KEYWORDS: transition processes, university and professional studies, Lithuania, CEEC, the EU.