Ukrainian Electrical Engineering School in the Context of Global Historiography: Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the development of the Ukrainian electrical engineering school in the context of the world historiography of electrical engineering sciences of the 19th-21st centuries. A systematic analysis of domestic and foreign historiography on the problems of formation and development of electrical engineering education and science in Ukrainian lands is carried out using a broad source base, including archival materials from institutes, biographical studies, and modern scientometric data. The genesis and evolution of Ukrainian scientific and pedagogical schools in three leading centers are investigated: Lviv (1844-1891), Kharkiv (1885), and Kyiv (1898), their role in forming the European tradition of electrical engineering education and the specifics of integrating various national educational models.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, comparative studies, and systematicity using biographical method, institutional analysis, and T. Hughes's concept of "technological systems." Based on critical analysis of archival materials, scientific publications, institutional reports, and international databases, the peculiarities of Ukrainian electrical engineering development under different geopolitical conditions and its adaptation to changing historical circumstances are established. Three main periods of development are identified and substantiated: imperial (1880-1920), characterized by the formation of institutional foundations; Soviet (1920-1991), marked by large-scale expansion and creation of powerful scientific schools; and independent (since 1991), distinguished by European integration and modernization.

It is proved that the Ukrainian electrical engineering school formed a unique synthesis of Central European theoretical approaches with practical tasks of industrial development and regional scientific traditions, ensuring its high competitiveness at the international level. The fundamental contribution of Ukrainian electrical engineers to world scientific and technical progress through revolutionary developments in key fields is established, particularly in the creation of F. Pirotsky's electric tram, I. Pulyui's X-ray tube, M. Dolivo-Dobrovolsky's three-phase current system, S. Lebedev's first European computer, and V. Glushkov's cybernetic systems. The contribution of Ukrainian diaspora to world technology development and mechanisms of preserving scientific continuity under conditions of geopolitical instability are analyzed. The scientific novelty lies in implementing a transnational approach to studying Ukrainian electrical engineering tradition, systematizing the contribution of Ukrainian diaspora to world industry development, and comprehensive comparative analysis with leading world centers of electrical engineering science.