Impactos econômicos de curto prazo da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS): um estudo no Campus Chapecó

Abstract

This study analyzed the short-term economic impacts of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS), using the Chapecó Campus as the study area. The research seeks to address a gap in the Brazilian literature which, despite recognizing the importance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for regional development, still presents a shortage of studies that quantify their local economic effects. A demand-side approach was adopted. For the secondary data, institutional expenditures on operating costs and investments were examined using data obtained through the Citizen Information Service and the UFFS Transparency and Accountability Portal. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires made available online to students, faculty members, and administrative staff at the Chapecó Campus and disseminated through different communication channels. Participation was voluntary, and the confidentiality and anonymity of respondents were ensured after the research and questionnaire had been reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Data analysis made it possible to estimate the effects of the university’s presence in the city of Chapecó, resulting in an estimated impact equivalent to 1.78% of the municipal GDP. As a technical-technological product, a guide pamphlet was developed to disseminate the research findings and provide guidance to interested parties on how to participate in the Campus procurement processes, thereby encouraging greater participation of local companies in the institution’s bidding procedures. The expected results are intended to support public policies and regional development strategies, as well as to propose a methodology that can be replicated in other contexts.