It is shown that independent Russia inherited, on the one hand, one of the most developed education systems in the world, on the other - it was reasonably criticized for conservatism, narrow specialization, dogmatism, isolation from the constantly changing needs of society and the economy, and standardness. These shortcomings were already evident at the end of the Soviet period of Russian history. One of the important components of the policy of “acceleration” and “perestroika” in Russia was an attempt to deeply transform higher education, give it flexibility, and deeply connect it with the urgent needs of the national economy. The study of higher education policy in 1986-1990 is relevant today as an example of a deliberate attempt by the political leadership to transform higher education in Russia in the direction of serving the interests of the changing economic system. Positive and negative elements of the experience of 1986-1990 should help in shaping the state policy of higher education in our time.