Local government and public universities: an analysis of the Médio Paraí­ba Fluminense Region

Abstract

This article analyzes the economic development of the Region of Médio Paraíba Fluminense (RMP-RJ) and the local institutions performance related to the government and public universities, in the process of regional development articulation. The literature review was based on models of growth poles, local endogenous development and the universities´ role in regional development. The method used is the case study, where 15 interviews were conducted with local secretaries of economic development and managers in public universities. The results indicate both the capacity of local government in attracting new investment to the region as the tendency to shift most dynamic economic activities of RMP-RJ toward the edge with the state of São Paulo. It was not observed in the local institutions surveyed actions to reverse this trend, such as fostering the endogenous regional capabilities, the entrepreneurship and innovation, the articulation of an action plan to promote the region, and the expansion of public universities´ role in knowledge generation, formation of innovative ventures and technological upgrading of existing businesses. These issues have not integrates systematically the agenda of the institutions analyzed.