A Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul – Campus Cerro Largo e o desenvolvimento regional: o significado científico e social da pesquisa

Abstract

This dissertation has as its theme the relationship between the University and regional development, based on the research conducted at UFFS – Campus Cerro Largo. Thus, the question is: Did UFFS, in these ten years of trajectory, especially in research, with a focus on Campus Cerro Largo, was able to handle the reflection and the production of knowledge about the challenges of the Missions Region and Northwest Frontier region? It aims to analyze the experience of university research at UFFS, Campus Cerro Largo, in the period from 2010 to 2019 and its interfaces with the Regional Development Plans prepared for this period, in the scope of the Missions Region and Northwest Frontier regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The methodology used in terms of approach, is qualitative, being classified, according to its nature as applied research. From the point of view of objectives, it is descriptive, and the approach is outlined by the critical-dialectical method. Regarding the technical procedures, a bibliographic and documental review was chosen. The locus of study is the Campus Cerro Largo, from UFFS, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. For the data collection, a documental and bibliographical research were conducted in the UFFS research notices, in the Institutional Development Plan (PDI. 2009 - 2019), in the UFFS Teaching, Research and Extension Conferences (COEPE) and in the priorities of the development plans of COREDES Missions Region and Northwest Frontier covering the period studied. The defined time frame includes the research notices held between 2010 and 2019 at Campus Cerro Largo. The analysis and interpretation of data is operationalized by content analysis. The results show that the University stands out as an institution that helps and encourages regional development based on research, as its research objects are linked to the priorities demanded by the region. During the analyzed period, 357 research projects were developed with scientific and technological initiation grants, in a universe of 40 research notices. The development notices had wide acceptance and participation of the Campus professors, on the different areas of knowledge, resulting in a significant scientific production materialized in the publications of articles in national and international journals, events proceedings, book chapters and complete books. These publications and participation in regional, national and international events contribute to the dissemination of research results and to the production of knowledge, especially about the Missions Region and the Northwest Frontier region. It was verified that the projects held, cover a large part of the guidelines indicated in COEPE and PDI, as well as being aligned with the priorities outlined in the Strategic Development Plans of COREDES Missions Region and Northwest Frontier. The observed results indicate that the research conducted at the Campus Cerro Largo was able to reflect and produce knowledge in the many areas of knowledge, contributing to the development of the regional community during the analyzed time frame, fulfilling its role in higher education.