Avaliação das contribuições da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora para o desenvolvimento local

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the contributions, in terms of regional development, of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) to the city of Juiz de Fora in Zona da Mata. To meet this end, a descriptive documentary research was carried out with a quantitative and qualitative approach based on documents provided by the institution itself. The study highlights that higher education can be the key to unlock regional socioeconomic development, and it is important to understand it´s impact given the political and economic scenario, in which public universities face budgetary constraints. The results of this research showed that the UFJF contributes positively to the development of the city and region, mainly by attracting people and investments. It was possible to verify that the university, directly and indirectly, dynamizes and transforms the local economic structure, contributes to the generation of jobs and income, demographic change, preservation of the city´s cultural heritage, innovation and knowledge. However, there is a possibility of expanding the institution impact on the city through the adoption of certain actions. Such results are relevant to guide decisions of university administrators, public policy planners and contribute to the improvement of the UFJF image among society.