Desenvolvimento regional no médio alto Uruguai/RS: percepções, impasses e alternativas

Abstract

The objective of this research has been analyzing the profile of the regional development of Middle High Uruguay, its impasses and alternatives, from the activities of the Regional Council for the Development of Middle High Uruguay (CODEMAU). For this purpose, the research has presented a theoretical contribution based on theories of regional development. The methodological procedures have been used descriptive and explanatory analysis of the problem and the formative evaluation. Primary and secondary data collections have been carried out. Primary data collection has been carried out using interviews and questionnaires, which have been treated by the Delphi method. The secondary data have been collected through documentary research in several organisms. The results of the survey have pointed out that in the last five years, none of the 22 municipalities in the region have had a high development pattern. The area of employment and income has presented a low level of development, where more than 80% of municipalities were "in regular development" and 9.09% in "low level of development". The interviews and the results of the questionnaires have pointed out that most of the actors and managers of CODEMAU have the perception that the query of employment and income is the main obstacle to regional development and it has been reaffirmed by secondary data. But they have not proposed or taken strategic actions to reverse the problem, such as creating attractive scenarios for public and private investments. The profile of human development in CODEMAU has presented good results, but there is low productive investment in the region, advances in human development have not impacted in job creation and income. In recent years, the focus of investments carried out by CODEMAU has been for human development. On the other hand, the values destined to economic development have been lower, demonstrating that the actions of CODEMAU and the community have been focusing on emerging problems of social order with no impact on the regional economy. In the perception of leadership, CODEMAU's actions have been positive aspects: promotion of citizenship and participation in Council decisions; and, negative: lack of social engagement and transparency, and the reduction of COREDE's action. As alternatives and actions for regional development, it has been possible to identify: investments in training and qualification, recovery of logistics infrastructure, regional planning focused on small rural property and valorization of agribusiness, promotion and training of COREDE members, creation of attractive investment environments and technological incubators. To promote regional development, it is necessary to address demands that include alternatives in the improvement of agricultural income, industrialization in agro-industrialization and training actions of rural producers, with short-term effect. In long term, education and innovation are essential for the generation of employment and income, placing the regional economy in another level of productivity. Stimulating technologic education and entrepreneurship is the basis for adding technologies to local and regional production, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, boosting the economic development of the region.