ORGANIZATIONAL FORMS AND INSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE IN KHARKIV (1920S–1930S)

The 1920s and 1930s were characterized by global transformational socio-economic processes that profoundly influenced the development of scientific and technical thought in Ukraine.During this period, applied and technical sciences gained particular significance as effective tools for modernizing the industrial complex.This era witnessed a search for organizational structures in technical sciences, models of interaction between science and industry, the reorganization of educational institutions, and the formation of a network of research institutions.This article examines the emergence of Kharkiv as a leading scientific, educational, and industrial center of Ukraine in the 1920s and 1930s.It analyzes the role of the network of branch institutes, research departments, specialized laboratories, and scientific-technical bureaus in modernizing the regionʼs industry.The activities of key research institutions are highlighted, including the institutes of metals, silicate industry, industrial energy, coal industry, agricultural machinery, and Ukrainian Main Chamber of Weights and Measures.Particular attention is paid to Ukrainian Physico-Technical Institute (UPTI) as a center for fundamental and applied research in the fields of physics, energy, mechanical engineering, and the defense industry.The study demonstrates the importance of integrating science and production, realized through research departments as well as cooperation with enterprises, which facilitated the implementation of innovative technologies and the formation of technical cooperationa prototype of modern technology parks.The work of the laboratories at "Sickle and Hammer" plant and Locomotive Building Plant is analyzed, focusing on the improvement of casting technologies, metal processing, and the expansion of the product range.Special emphasis is placed on the research bureau of Kharkiv Electromechanical Plant, where, under the leadership of professors from Kharkiv Institute of Technology, innovative research in electric machines, high voltage, and electrical apparatus engineering was conducted.It is proven that utilizing the human potential and material base of Kharkivʼs two leading educational institutions of the early 20th century (Institute of Technology and Institute of Public Education) enabled the organization of an effective structure of research centers.Leading scientists and educators acted as initiators in creating research departments and branch institutes, actively contributing to their organizational establishment and development.