EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL HUB: THE ROLE OF SANTA MARIA IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Faced with the question of how technological innovation impacts the educational, economic, and social development of Santa Maria—consolidating it as a regional innovation hub—this study aims to analyze this transformation. The general objective is to understand the impact of technological innovations on the consolidation of Santa Maria as a regional innovation center. The specific objectives include: (i) identifying technological innovation initiatives in the city; (ii) analyzing the role of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the development process; (iii) assessing the contribution of the Local Productive Arrangement (APL) Defense and Security Hub; and (iv) relating technological innovation to the democratization of access to education and knowledge. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, based on document analysis, literature review, and secondary data from local and national institutions. It draws on authors such as Milton Santos, Paul Virilio, Manuel Castells, and Leontiev to support theoretical and reflective discussions on the territorial, educational, and technological dynamics of Santa Maria. The main results indicate that Santa Maria stands out for the interaction between strategic sectors such as education, defense, and technology, consolidating itself as a regional hub, while still facing challenges related to socio-spatial inequalities and equitable access to innovations. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of technological innovation on cultural and religious aspects, such as digital faith practices, reaffirming the city as a microcosm of global issues. It is concluded that Santa Maria exemplifies the complexity of medium-sized cities.