Review of the Russian-language academic literature on university rankings and a global perspective

Abstract

Abstract This year marks 10 years since the start of the Project 5top100. The key goal of the project was the entry of five Russian universities into the top 100 global university rankings; respectively, the rankings have firmly entered the Russian academic and public discourses. This article is aimed at answering the question of how university rankings are interpreted in Russia. We conducted a rigorous peer review of Russian-language academic literature. This part of Russian academic discourse is usually closed for international readership. We have reviewed 64 relevant articles and concluded that most Russian authors consider rankings in terms of competitiveness. Ranking methodology and interpretation are taken uncritically in this case. The review was also supplemented by a brief overview of the global perspective based on major statements in responsible research evaluation. This part of the literature suggests that university rankings should not be used in research evaluation. However, it is still not the case, unfortunately.