Ação Empreendedora na Educação Básica: Uma análise comparativa sob o ponto de vista regional

Abstract

Contextualization: Entrepreneurship in education represents an innovative approach that seeks to integrate economic and social practices within the school environment. By promoting an entrepreneurial mindset, education equips students with practical and technical skills, while also fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These characteristics are essential for students to transform ideas into concrete actions, contributing to the formation of more active and conscious citizens. In this context, the research aims to understand how entrepreneurial actions are developed in public state schools in basic education. Objective: The objective is to understand the development of entrepreneurial actions in two public state schools in Minas Gerais' basic education network. Specifically, the research aimed to identify the entrepreneurial actions developed in the studied public basic education institutions; verify the results of entrepreneurial actions in the institutional, pedagogical, and individual spheres from the perspective of the school principals and teachers; and analyze, comparatively, the similarities and differences in terms of entrepreneurial actions observed in the analyzed cases, consideram possible regional particularities of their manifestation. Method: The research adopts a qualitative approach and aimed to carry out a descriptive study based on multiple case studies and comparative analysis. The focus of the analysis is on comparing the realities and evidence observed, with the purpose of identifying similarities, differences, and patterns between the investigated cases. This strategy allowed for a deeper understanding of the phenomena analyzed, providing a detailed and contextualized view of each case. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document research, non-participant observation, and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Results: The analysis and discussion of the research results indicate that entrepreneurial actions are developed with a focus on social, local, and regional development, on developing skills and competencies, critical reflection, behavior, and attitudes, with the aim of solving problems arising from different contexts. Thus, entrepreneurship in education can serve as a skill developer, preparing students for the job market, reducing inequalities, improving student performance, promoting creativity, and motivating students. Therefore, the entrepreneurial approach in the school environment creates opportunities to facilitate personal and professional development, through the encouragement of creative thinking and autonomy. Entrepreneurial projects and initiatives developed by students and teachers can result in businesses that benefit the school community and also positively impact its surroundings. Relevance of the Research to the PPGAdm's Focus Area (Regionality and Management) and Research Line: The research addresses public entrepreneurship in the educational context, specifically the development of entrepreneurial actions in basic education, with a focus on the Triângulo Mineiro and North Minas Gerais regions. Additionally, the study explores the potential, needs, and specific opportunities of each region through local initiatives, stimulating economic and social development. Impact and Innovative Character in Intellectual Production: The main theoretical contributions of the research and its innovative character lie in the introduction of new concepts, the use of active methodologies, and new empirical evidence. The innovative nature of the research lies in its methodological approaches and interdisciplinarity in developing entrepreneurial actions and projects. Moreover, it is innovative in its practical and social implications, as the results of the actions point to solutions for social, economic, or environmental problems. Economic, Social, and Regional Impact: The economic impact evidenced in the research is reflected in the stimulation of the local economy, skill development, social inclusion, and improvement in education quality. With the development of entrepreneurial education in schools, students acquire competencies and skills, preparing for the job market. Furthermore, the introduction of new methodologies and the network of partnerships enables the creation of new job prospects for teachers, staff, students' families, and even for graduates of basic education. Socially, the research addresses the generation of opportunities, inclusion, the resolution of social problems, autonomy, social and environmental responsibility. Thus, the initiatives adopted contribute to improvements in the local and regional context. The regional impact lies in the specificities of the actions and the researched public in each region, namely in Uberlândia and Montes Claros, as it contributes to local development. Additionally, the study's findings allow managers to reconsider their decision-making processes, with the aim of promoting an alignment between entrepreneurial actions and public policies. Regional Implications: The contributions of the research to the regions influenced by the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) are analyzed from the economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Considering these dimensions, the research emphasizes local economic development, creativity, educational quality improvement, social inclusion, job creation, and adaptability to regional demands. The implementation of entrepreneurial actions in basic education allows adaptation to local realities, as the actions are developed based on the specific characteristics and regional context. Sustainable Development Goals Addressed in the Research: The research addresses Goal 4: "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Regarding Goal 4, the research aligns with Target 4.4 I, which proposes to substantially increase the number of young people and adults with relevam skills, including technical and professional competencies, for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship by 2030. Additionally, it aligns with Target 4.7 I, which establishes that by 2030, all students should acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and its contribution to sustainable development. The research results highlight actions focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such extracurricular activities that address arts and culture, including theatrical performances and musical presentations. Furthermore, there are organized competitions and challenges among students, stimulating interest and engagement. These actions also include the development of practical sustainable projects, such as creating gardens and recycling (including building objects from recyclable materials).