Contribuições da Universidade Tecnológica para o desenvolvimento regional no Uruguai: um estudo de caso sobre o Instituto Tecnológico Regional Norte de Rivera

Abstract

The geographic decentralization of universities has become an essential strategy for promoting equity in access to higher education and fostering regional development in territories farther from capital cities. Considering the historical context of the conception of the first universities, the role of public policies in the geographic decentralization of universities, and the motivations behind the creation of Universidad Tecnológica (UTEC), this research focuses on analyzing the contributions of UTEC's Regional Technological Institute North (ITR Norte) to the development of northern Uruguay. To develop the study, the specific objectives included examining the public policies of geographic decentralization of universities in Uruguay, the infrastructure capabilities, the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by ITR Norte, and examples of how UTEC adds value to the productive sector through the formation of specialized human capital in the region. The adopted methodology was qualitative, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, involving bibliographic review and document analysis to investigate the variables involved. The results indicate that ITR Norte generates direct and indirect economic impacts that transcend the educational sphere, encompassing dimensions such as aggregate demand, cultural environment, business environment, employment, regional economies, and infrastructure. These contributions enhance the formation of qualified human capital, strengthen the local productive sector, and contribute to regional promotion in Uruguay's interior.