Cidades médias polos regionais: um estudo em Passo Fundo/RS e Santo Ângelo/RS

Abstract

This course conclusion paper discusses two medium-sized cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Passo Fundo and Santo Ângelo. In this study, the reader is introduced to the characteristics of the two medium-sized cities, revealing their important roles in the local and regional economy. On the other hand, it is possible to argue that both cities assume a great deal of responsibility for the surrounding small towns. These responsibilities are associated with their economic particularities and their urban functions, since, through the centralized supply and location of various activities, they promote the attraction of small towns [and one can discuss possible dependency], to the infrastructures, business networks and services made available. As such, these medium-sized cities have a responsibility to maintain their functionality, especially in the provision of public services. The aim of this research is to analyze the economy of the medium-sized cities studied in order to understand their economic dynamics and the relationships between the political and corporate players who work together to develop the regions, as well as to analyze the urban network of the regions in which the cities are located. To analyze the two medium-sized cities, we used a qualitative and quantitative methodology, compiling data from the IBGE, CEMPRE, IEDE/RS, RAIS, GDP, GVA and REGIC. In addition to the information reported in interviews with political agents in the two cities. The main results of the research are the verification of the main urban functions of these medium-sized cities, among them: the provision of public services (health, education, transport, etc.), stores (pharmacies, bakeries, clothing and shoe stores, etc.) and the various activities of the manufacturing industries (manufacture of food products, manufacture of beverages, manufacture of real estate, manufacture of agricultural equipment, etc.). These urban functions promoted by the cities studied maintain a strong connection with small towns and other municipalities in other regions, making them regional hubs. In addition, the results reveal the centralities of these cities based on the activities of private management, with the main Multilocalized and Monolocalized companies able to control the private management of the territory. And with their public management, in which there are a greater number of public offices installed, which are responsible for the greatest concentration of services provided and the number of employees. These management activities play an important role in the regional economy and socio-economic development.