STEM-education in the mirror of sociological research

The article is devoted to the research of trends and mechanisms of STEM-innovations implementationin Ukraine. STEM – a series or sequence of educational programs designed to solve the problem of thescientific and engineering specialists lack for high-tech industries and raise the competitiveness of thestate. It is a priority in state policy towards economy strengthening and state social order to the educationalsector. Consequently, relevance of STEM in the modern European institutional space is beyond doubt. Inthis regard, attention is focused on measuring the understanding of STEM and its essence, on the prospectsand difficulties of implementing these social technologies in Ukrainian realities. The paper presents theresults of quantitative research conducted on the basis of author’s methodologies, members of teachingstaff, student youth, expert group and parents of high school students. On the basis of conducted monitoringresults calculation, comparing the answers of different categories of respondents, the authors attempt tosummarize the STEM technologies state in modern Ukrainian society and come to the conclusion that theimplementation of relevant innovations contributes to the dissemination of dialogue among all participantsin the educational process, parents and potential employers. Conducted research makes it possible to statethe following. Educators of experimental educational institutions have a sufficiently high level of motivationto innovate, open to cooperation and understand the importance of innovations in the modern Ukrainianschool. STEM topics of interest to students are clearly outlined. Therefore, the majorities of polled studentssupport the STEM direction and understand its prospects but do not understand in what sphere and wherethey will work in the future, even choosing the STEM profession. The results of the study showed thatmodern parents are motivated to influence the future profession choice their own children. However, thedirect parents’ influence on the future profession choosing is limited because a significant number of highschool students have their own opinion on this issue, which is in part or does not coincide, with parents.STEM innovations create a new space for a steady dialogue between educators, parents and employers forthe development of the economies of the states and engage youth in STEM industry.