The article analyzes the main trends in the transformation of the modern system of higher education in Russia, which contain objective risks and contribute to the growth of social tension in the educational environment. The author points to the main aspects of considering significant changes in the higher education system, including: active dissemination of new digital technologies in the educational process; the consequences of integrating the Russian higher education system into a single European educational space; the emergence of new educational and management practices; the consequences of the commercialization of the higher education system. The period of transition of the higher education system from the traditional model to the digital one is characterized by the exacerbation of existing structural contradictions and social inequality, as well as the emergence of new risks in development.The article examines possible sources of social conflicts in the higher education system and provides their typology: conflicts of the “society — higher school” type, “administration — collectives of an educational institution”, “subject-subject”. A significant source is also the contradiction between the traditionally established educational practices and new digital practices that require special training of scientific and pedagogical personnel and an effective information base.The author conclude that the growth of social tension and, as a consequence, the emergence of new forms of social conflicts in the educational environment, can be explained by the unpreparedness of the Russian higher education system and society as a whole for the ongoing changes. Results of the transformation of the modern higher education system in Russia, on the one hand, new prospects have appeared for training and professional development of participants in the educational process, and on the other hand, sources of social tension and conflict in the educational environment have become more active. To implement a systematic and effective final transition from a traditional to a digital education model, a radical restructuring of the entire higher education system at the state level, the introduction of modular digital educational environments and the creation of an effective information base on an integrated educational platform are required.

No abstract

No abstract