Elena G. Popkova is the founder and president of the Institute of Scientific Communications (Russia) and Leading researcher of the Center for applied research of the chair “Economic policy and public-private partnership” of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (Moscow, Russia). Her scientific interests include the theory of economic growth, sustainable development, globalization, humanization of economic growth, emerging markets, social entrepreneurship, and the digital economy and Industry 4.0. Elena G. Popkova organizes Russian and international scientific and practical conferences and is the editor and author of collective monographs, and serves as a guest editor of international scientific journals. She has published more than 300 works in Russian and foreign peer-reviewed scientific journals and books.Bruno S. Sergi is Professor of International Economics, University of Messina, and Associate, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University. He teaches at the Harvard Extension School on the economics of emerging markets and the political economy of Russia and China. He also teaches political economy and international finance at the University of Messina, Italy. He is Series Editor of Cambridge's Elements in the Economics of Emerging Markets, as well as Editor for Entrepreneurship and Global Economic Growth and Co-Series Editor of Lab for Entrepreneurship and Development. He is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, the International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, and the International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance. He is Associate Editor of The American Economist.Konstantin V. Vodenko is a professor in the scientific specialty "Social structure, social institutions and processes”. He is the head of the master's program "State and Municipal socio-economic policy in the field of State and municipal Administration”. He is the first deputy editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Humanities of the South of Russia. He is a member of the organizing committees of various international conferences.

• List of Tables, Figures, Charts and GraphsNotes on ContributorsIntroduction Role of Higher Education in Enhancing Social Mobility and Reducing Social InequalityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoPart 1Cultural Openness of the Knowledge Society and Its Contribution to Reducing Social Inequality1 Benefits of Distance Education for Overcoming Cultural Disparities, Opening Universities to Persons with Disabilities, and Ensuring Inclusive Higher EducationElena G. Popkova2 Forming Multicultural Competency of Students in the Context of Convergence CultureElena V. Volkova, Olga Y. Khatsrinova, Rustem I. Biktashev and Mostаfа М. Keruly3 Visual Culture and Ways of Its Development among Students in the System of Higher EducationNatalia V. Vinogradova, Claudio Tomazzoli, Sergey V. Bykov, Galina M. Zemlyakova and Igor G. Panov4 Forms of Manifestation of Cultural Differences in Higher Education and Their Impact on the Inclusiveness of UniversitiesLyudmila A. Shvachkina, Valentina I. Rodionova, Zarema Y. Emtyl and Asker R. Kasparov5 Cultural Differences as Barriers to Improving Positions in the International Rankings of Universities from Less Developed CountriesIrina V. Lipchanskaya, Angela A. Bezrukova, Saida G. Dzybova and Ibragim K. Shaov6 Conceptual Fundamentals and Indicators of Knowledge EconomyNataliya A. Tovma, Igor Fernández-Plazaola, Liudmila V. Popova, Rasulya R. Aetdinova and Ashirgul K. Seidildayeva7 Cultivating a Novel Culture for Higher Education Successes from a Social Learning Service ProgramPennee Narot and Narong KiettikunwongPart 2Inclusive Higher Education in Support of Social Mobility8 Assessment of the Level of Cultural Differences and Openness to People with Disabilities and the Impact of These Characteristics on the Inclusiveness of Russian UniversitiesLudmila L. Shtofer, Nafiset Z. Daurova, Inna N. Gaidareva and Zara A. Mamisheva9 The Value of Higher Education Inclusiveness for Sustainable and Innovative Development of the Knowledge EconomyLarisa V. Popova, Tatiana A. Dugina, Svetlana Yu. Shaldohina and Elena A. Nemkina10 The Concept of Inclusive Higher Education and Approach to Its Implementation Based on Openness to Persons with DisabilitiesSvetlana A. Popova, Elena Kzh. Pilivanova, Evgeny A. Likholetov and Galina N. Zvereva11 Best Practices for Inclusiveness by Top Universities and Their Openness to Persons with Disabilities in the More Developed CountriesElena S. Akopova, Daria O. Zabaznova, Irina A. Tarasova and Marietta A. Bolokova12 Progressive Practices for Achieving Inclusiveness and Openness for People with Disabilities by Top Universities in Less Developed CountriesAminat Sh. Khuazheva, Elena A. Buller, Larisa T. Tlekhurai-Berzegova and Svetlana K. Chinazirova13 Inclusiveness of Universities as the Basis for Achieving Strategic Academic Leadership in RussiaKonstantin V. Vodenko, Margarita A. Meretukova, Irina B. Khakonova and Marina G. Shadzhe14 Differences in Approaches to Achieving Inclusiveness between Leading and Regional Universities in Russia Legal AspectsOlesya P. Kazachenok, Aziza B. Karbekova, Zuriet A. Zhade and Azamat M. Shadzhe15 Enroute towards Inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges South African CaseSelina Kungwane and Anneline Korf-TaljaardPart 3Digital Technology in Higher Education and Its Importance for Increasing Social Mobility16 Key Factors to Increase Attractiveness of Digital Socio-oriented Clusters in Pandemic Conditions Views of Generation Z StudentsMikhail V. Vinichenko, Marina V. Rybakova, Oksana L. Chulanova, Sergey A. Barkov and Sergey A. Makushkin17 Education Platforms in Pandemic ConditionsLiliya V. Samosudova, Nadezhda V. Eremkina, Irina I. Kondrashkina and Sergey M. Imyarekov18 Using vr and ar Technologies for the Sustainable Social Development of Intercultural and Inter-language Exchange in the Area of Education in the Conditions of International CooperationJulia Yu. Rybasova, Flera L. Mazitova, Asiya G. Nizamieva, Zarema M. Zaripova and Elmira N. Uteeva19 Digitalization of Education Student Assessments and Factors of Its Formation in a PandemicElena V. Frolova, Olga V. Rogach and Natalia V. Medvedeva20 Education for Sustainable Development in Modern Conditions of DigitalizationElvira K. Samerkhanova, Olga V. Smyshliaeva, Irina V. Panova, Lyudmila N. Bahtiyarova and Alexander V. PonachuginPart 4Educational Management to Reduce Social Inequality21 Progressive School as an Implementation of Current Trends in the Development of EducationZhanna Y. Bakaeva, Ella N. Shchegoleva, Galina V. Kalinina, Ljudmila Yu. Alexandrova and Galina M. Lokhonova22 Inclusiveness and Competitiveness vs. Quality and Efficiency of Universities Conflicts of Interest and Common GroundSvetlana A. Lyausheva, Bella Kh. Khamukova, Zarema Kh. Kurmalieva and Fatima K. Tuguz23 The Dilemma of Choice in the Direction of Development of the National Education System An Educated or Professionally Trained PersonEugenia A. Neretina, Natalya S. Komleva, Evgeniy A. Leonenko and Elena G. Shcherbakova24 Trends in the Development of the State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education of the Kyrgyz RepublicElvira E. Samatova, Baktyyar M. Asanov and Diloram I. Khasanova25 Professional Training of a Contemporary Teacher of Mathematics Designing an Educational Program for a Bachelor’s Degree in the Direction of “Physics and Mathematics Education” on a Modular-Competency BasisAnarkan D. Attokurova26 Russian Education in the Pandemic Challenges and ResponsesAnna A. Arinushkina, Olga A. Mashkina and Valentina V.  Kuznetsova27 Socio-economic Development of Educational Activities in the Context of the Modernization of Lifelong EducationZhanna V. Smirnova, Igor E. Mizikovsky, Michael N. Pavlenkov, Elena V. Romanovskaya and Lyubov I. KutepovaConclusionWorsening of Social Inequalities in the Fifth Industrial Revolution The New Role of Higher Education in Social MobilityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoIndex

Elena G. Popkova is the founder and president of the Institute of Scientific Communications (Russia) and Leading researcher of the Center for applied research of the chair “Economic policy and public-private partnership” of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (Moscow, Russia). Her scientific interests include the theory of economic growth, sustainable development, globalization, humanization of economic growth, emerging markets, social entrepreneurship, and the digital economy and Industry 4.0. Elena G. Popkova organizes Russian and international scientific and practical conferences and is the editor and author of collective monographs, and serves as a guest editor of international scientific journals. She has published more than 300 works in Russian and foreign peer-reviewed scientific journals and books.Bruno S. Sergi is Professor of International Economics, University of Messina, and Associate, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University. He teaches at the Harvard Extension School on the economics of emerging markets and the political economy of Russia and China. He also teaches political economy and international finance at the University of Messina, Italy. He is Series Editor of Cambridge's Elements in the Economics of Emerging Markets, as well as Editor for Entrepreneurship and Global Economic Growth and Co-Series Editor of Lab for Entrepreneurship and Development. He is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, the International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, and the International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance. He is Associate Editor of The American Economist.Konstantin V. Vodenko is a professor in the scientific specialty "Social structure, social institutions and processes”. He is the head of the master's program "State and Municipal socio-economic policy in the field of State and municipal Administration”. He is the first deputy editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Humanities of the South of Russia. He is a member of the organizing committees of various international conferences.

• List of Tables, Figures, Charts and GraphsNotes on ContributorsIntroduction Role of Higher Education in Enhancing Social Mobility and Reducing Social InequalityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoPart 1Cultural Openness of the Knowledge Society and Its Contribution to Reducing Social Inequality1 Benefits of Distance Education for Overcoming Cultural Disparities, Opening Universities to Persons with Disabilities, and Ensuring Inclusive Higher EducationElena G. Popkova2 Forming Multicultural Competency of Students in the Context of Convergence CultureElena V. Volkova, Olga Y. Khatsrinova, Rustem I. Biktashev and Mostаfа М. Keruly3 Visual Culture and Ways of Its Development among Students in the System of Higher EducationNatalia V. Vinogradova, Claudio Tomazzoli, Sergey V. Bykov, Galina M. Zemlyakova and Igor G. Panov4 Forms of Manifestation of Cultural Differences in Higher Education and Their Impact on the Inclusiveness of UniversitiesLyudmila A. Shvachkina, Valentina I. Rodionova, Zarema Y. Emtyl and Asker R. Kasparov5 Cultural Differences as Barriers to Improving Positions in the International Rankings of Universities from Less Developed CountriesIrina V. Lipchanskaya, Angela A. Bezrukova, Saida G. Dzybova and Ibragim K. Shaov6 Conceptual Fundamentals and Indicators of Knowledge EconomyNataliya A. Tovma, Igor Fernández-Plazaola, Liudmila V. Popova, Rasulya R. Aetdinova and Ashirgul K. Seidildayeva7 Cultivating a Novel Culture for Higher Education Successes from a Social Learning Service ProgramPennee Narot and Narong KiettikunwongPart 2Inclusive Higher Education in Support of Social Mobility8 Assessment of the Level of Cultural Differences and Openness to People with Disabilities and the Impact of These Characteristics on the Inclusiveness of Russian UniversitiesLudmila L. Shtofer, Nafiset Z. Daurova, Inna N. Gaidareva and Zara A. Mamisheva9 The Value of Higher Education Inclusiveness for Sustainable and Innovative Development of the Knowledge EconomyLarisa V. Popova, Tatiana A. Dugina, Svetlana Yu. Shaldohina and Elena A. Nemkina10 The Concept of Inclusive Higher Education and Approach to Its Implementation Based on Openness to Persons with DisabilitiesSvetlana A. Popova, Elena Kzh. Pilivanova, Evgeny A. Likholetov and Galina N. Zvereva11 Best Practices for Inclusiveness by Top Universities and Their Openness to Persons with Disabilities in the More Developed CountriesElena S. Akopova, Daria O. Zabaznova, Irina A. Tarasova and Marietta A. Bolokova12 Progressive Practices for Achieving Inclusiveness and Openness for People with Disabilities by Top Universities in Less Developed CountriesAminat Sh. Khuazheva, Elena A. Buller, Larisa T. Tlekhurai-Berzegova and Svetlana K. Chinazirova13 Inclusiveness of Universities as the Basis for Achieving Strategic Academic Leadership in RussiaKonstantin V. Vodenko, Margarita A. Meretukova, Irina B. Khakonova and Marina G. Shadzhe14 Differences in Approaches to Achieving Inclusiveness between Leading and Regional Universities in Russia Legal AspectsOlesya P. Kazachenok, Aziza B. Karbekova, Zuriet A. Zhade and Azamat M. Shadzhe15 Enroute towards Inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges South African CaseSelina Kungwane and Anneline Korf-TaljaardPart 3Digital Technology in Higher Education and Its Importance for Increasing Social Mobility16 Key Factors to Increase Attractiveness of Digital Socio-oriented Clusters in Pandemic Conditions Views of Generation Z StudentsMikhail V. Vinichenko, Marina V. Rybakova, Oksana L. Chulanova, Sergey A. Barkov and Sergey A. Makushkin17 Education Platforms in Pandemic ConditionsLiliya V. Samosudova, Nadezhda V. Eremkina, Irina I. Kondrashkina and Sergey M. Imyarekov18 Using vr and ar Technologies for the Sustainable Social Development of Intercultural and Inter-language Exchange in the Area of Education in the Conditions of International CooperationJulia Yu. Rybasova, Flera L. Mazitova, Asiya G. Nizamieva, Zarema M. Zaripova and Elmira N. Uteeva19 Digitalization of Education Student Assessments and Factors of Its Formation in a PandemicElena V. Frolova, Olga V. Rogach and Natalia V. Medvedeva20 Education for Sustainable Development in Modern Conditions of DigitalizationElvira K. Samerkhanova, Olga V. Smyshliaeva, Irina V. Panova, Lyudmila N. Bahtiyarova and Alexander V. PonachuginPart 4Educational Management to Reduce Social Inequality21 Progressive School as an Implementation of Current Trends in the Development of EducationZhanna Y. Bakaeva, Ella N. Shchegoleva, Galina V. Kalinina, Ljudmila Yu. Alexandrova and Galina M. Lokhonova22 Inclusiveness and Competitiveness vs. Quality and Efficiency of Universities Conflicts of Interest and Common GroundSvetlana A. Lyausheva, Bella Kh. Khamukova, Zarema Kh. Kurmalieva and Fatima K. Tuguz23 The Dilemma of Choice in the Direction of Development of the National Education System An Educated or Professionally Trained PersonEugenia A. Neretina, Natalya S. Komleva, Evgeniy A. Leonenko and Elena G. Shcherbakova24 Trends in the Development of the State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education of the Kyrgyz RepublicElvira E. Samatova, Baktyyar M. Asanov and Diloram I. Khasanova25 Professional Training of a Contemporary Teacher of Mathematics Designing an Educational Program for a Bachelor’s Degree in the Direction of “Physics and Mathematics Education” on a Modular-Competency BasisAnarkan D. Attokurova26 Russian Education in the Pandemic Challenges and ResponsesAnna A. Arinushkina, Olga A. Mashkina and Valentina V.  Kuznetsova27 Socio-economic Development of Educational Activities in the Context of the Modernization of Lifelong EducationZhanna V. Smirnova, Igor E. Mizikovsky, Michael N. Pavlenkov, Elena V. Romanovskaya and Lyubov I. KutepovaConclusionWorsening of Social Inequalities in the Fifth Industrial Revolution The New Role of Higher Education in Social MobilityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoIndex

Elena G. Popkova is the founder and president of the Institute of Scientific Communications (Russia) and Leading researcher of the Center for applied research of the chair “Economic policy and public-private partnership” of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (Moscow, Russia). Her scientific interests include the theory of economic growth, sustainable development, globalization, humanization of economic growth, emerging markets, social entrepreneurship, and the digital economy and Industry 4.0. Elena G. Popkova organizes Russian and international scientific and practical conferences and is the editor and author of collective monographs, and serves as a guest editor of international scientific journals. She has published more than 300 works in Russian and foreign peer-reviewed scientific journals and books.Bruno S. Sergi is Professor of International Economics, University of Messina, and Associate, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University. He teaches at the Harvard Extension School on the economics of emerging markets and the political economy of Russia and China. He also teaches political economy and international finance at the University of Messina, Italy. He is Series Editor of Cambridge's Elements in the Economics of Emerging Markets, as well as Editor for Entrepreneurship and Global Economic Growth and Co-Series Editor of Lab for Entrepreneurship and Development. He is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, the International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, and the International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance. He is Associate Editor of The American Economist.Konstantin V. Vodenko is a professor in the scientific specialty "Social structure, social institutions and processes”. He is the head of the master's program "State and Municipal socio-economic policy in the field of State and municipal Administration”. He is the first deputy editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Humanities of the South of Russia. He is a member of the organizing committees of various international conferences.

• List of Tables, Figures, Charts and GraphsNotes on ContributorsIntroduction Role of Higher Education in Enhancing Social Mobility and Reducing Social InequalityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoPart 1Cultural Openness of the Knowledge Society and Its Contribution to Reducing Social Inequality1 Benefits of Distance Education for Overcoming Cultural Disparities, Opening Universities to Persons with Disabilities, and Ensuring Inclusive Higher EducationElena G. Popkova2 Forming Multicultural Competency of Students in the Context of Convergence CultureElena V. Volkova, Olga Y. Khatsrinova, Rustem I. Biktashev and Mostаfа М. Keruly3 Visual Culture and Ways of Its Development among Students in the System of Higher EducationNatalia V. Vinogradova, Claudio Tomazzoli, Sergey V. Bykov, Galina M. Zemlyakova and Igor G. Panov4 Forms of Manifestation of Cultural Differences in Higher Education and Their Impact on the Inclusiveness of UniversitiesLyudmila A. Shvachkina, Valentina I. Rodionova, Zarema Y. Emtyl and Asker R. Kasparov5 Cultural Differences as Barriers to Improving Positions in the International Rankings of Universities from Less Developed CountriesIrina V. Lipchanskaya, Angela A. Bezrukova, Saida G. Dzybova and Ibragim K. Shaov6 Conceptual Fundamentals and Indicators of Knowledge EconomyNataliya A. Tovma, Igor Fernández-Plazaola, Liudmila V. Popova, Rasulya R. Aetdinova and Ashirgul K. Seidildayeva7 Cultivating a Novel Culture for Higher Education Successes from a Social Learning Service ProgramPennee Narot and Narong KiettikunwongPart 2Inclusive Higher Education in Support of Social Mobility8 Assessment of the Level of Cultural Differences and Openness to People with Disabilities and the Impact of These Characteristics on the Inclusiveness of Russian UniversitiesLudmila L. Shtofer, Nafiset Z. Daurova, Inna N. Gaidareva and Zara A. Mamisheva9 The Value of Higher Education Inclusiveness for Sustainable and Innovative Development of the Knowledge EconomyLarisa V. Popova, Tatiana A. Dugina, Svetlana Yu. Shaldohina and Elena A. Nemkina10 The Concept of Inclusive Higher Education and Approach to Its Implementation Based on Openness to Persons with DisabilitiesSvetlana A. Popova, Elena Kzh. Pilivanova, Evgeny A. Likholetov and Galina N. Zvereva11 Best Practices for Inclusiveness by Top Universities and Their Openness to Persons with Disabilities in the More Developed CountriesElena S. Akopova, Daria O. Zabaznova, Irina A. Tarasova and Marietta A. Bolokova12 Progressive Practices for Achieving Inclusiveness and Openness for People with Disabilities by Top Universities in Less Developed CountriesAminat Sh. Khuazheva, Elena A. Buller, Larisa T. Tlekhurai-Berzegova and Svetlana K. Chinazirova13 Inclusiveness of Universities as the Basis for Achieving Strategic Academic Leadership in RussiaKonstantin V. Vodenko, Margarita A. Meretukova, Irina B. Khakonova and Marina G. Shadzhe14 Differences in Approaches to Achieving Inclusiveness between Leading and Regional Universities in Russia Legal AspectsOlesya P. Kazachenok, Aziza B. Karbekova, Zuriet A. Zhade and Azamat M. Shadzhe15 Enroute towards Inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges South African CaseSelina Kungwane and Anneline Korf-TaljaardPart 3Digital Technology in Higher Education and Its Importance for Increasing Social Mobility16 Key Factors to Increase Attractiveness of Digital Socio-oriented Clusters in Pandemic Conditions Views of Generation Z StudentsMikhail V. Vinichenko, Marina V. Rybakova, Oksana L. Chulanova, Sergey A. Barkov and Sergey A. Makushkin17 Education Platforms in Pandemic ConditionsLiliya V. Samosudova, Nadezhda V. Eremkina, Irina I. Kondrashkina and Sergey M. Imyarekov18 Using vr and ar Technologies for the Sustainable Social Development of Intercultural and Inter-language Exchange in the Area of Education in the Conditions of International CooperationJulia Yu. Rybasova, Flera L. Mazitova, Asiya G. Nizamieva, Zarema M. Zaripova and Elmira N. Uteeva19 Digitalization of Education Student Assessments and Factors of Its Formation in a PandemicElena V. Frolova, Olga V. Rogach and Natalia V. Medvedeva20 Education for Sustainable Development in Modern Conditions of DigitalizationElvira K. Samerkhanova, Olga V. Smyshliaeva, Irina V. Panova, Lyudmila N. Bahtiyarova and Alexander V. PonachuginPart 4Educational Management to Reduce Social Inequality21 Progressive School as an Implementation of Current Trends in the Development of EducationZhanna Y. Bakaeva, Ella N. Shchegoleva, Galina V. Kalinina, Ljudmila Yu. Alexandrova and Galina M. Lokhonova22 Inclusiveness and Competitiveness vs. Quality and Efficiency of Universities Conflicts of Interest and Common GroundSvetlana A. Lyausheva, Bella Kh. Khamukova, Zarema Kh. Kurmalieva and Fatima K. Tuguz23 The Dilemma of Choice in the Direction of Development of the National Education System An Educated or Professionally Trained PersonEugenia A. Neretina, Natalya S. Komleva, Evgeniy A. Leonenko and Elena G. Shcherbakova24 Trends in the Development of the State Educational Standard of Higher Professional Education of the Kyrgyz RepublicElvira E. Samatova, Baktyyar M. Asanov and Diloram I. Khasanova25 Professional Training of a Contemporary Teacher of Mathematics Designing an Educational Program for a Bachelor’s Degree in the Direction of “Physics and Mathematics Education” on a Modular-Competency BasisAnarkan D. Attokurova26 Russian Education in the Pandemic Challenges and ResponsesAnna A. Arinushkina, Olga A. Mashkina and Valentina V.  Kuznetsova27 Socio-economic Development of Educational Activities in the Context of the Modernization of Lifelong EducationZhanna V. Smirnova, Igor E. Mizikovsky, Michael N. Pavlenkov, Elena V. Romanovskaya and Lyubov I. KutepovaConclusionWorsening of Social Inequalities in the Fifth Industrial Revolution The New Role of Higher Education in Social MobilityElena G. Popkova, Bruno S. Sergi and Konstantin V. VodenkoIndex