In coverage and some quality metrics of educational systems of former USSR countries, we are on the same level with countries that have way higher GPD per-capita. However, a low GPD gives an idea that the level of education slightly affects the state economy. In reality, broad higher and professional education coverage does not necessarily result in higher performance at work and innovations. Mass and fairly proper preschool and K-12 education go with low functional and civil literacy. This is backed up by comparative international studies. For instance, CIS is on top of chart according to PIRLS study, assessment of basic literacy at primary school. And according to PISA, assessment of functional literacy, in other words the ability to use skills in practice, among high school students, our countries are not even in top 30. Join the session and learn why our universities are way behind top-100 list and what problems we have to solve to catch up.