Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Amapá como agente de desenvolvimento regional: um olhar sobre o Campus Santana

Abstract

This study analyzed the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amapá (IFAP), focusing on the Santana Campus, as an agent of regional development. It took into consideration the challenges of its late implementation within the Brazilian professional, scientific, and technological education landscape and its relationship with Local Productive Arrangements (LPAs). The research adopted a qualitative and documentary approach, based on a bibliographical review, analysis of legislation, institutional reports, and data from the Plataforma Nilo Peçanha for the period from 2017 to 2024. Initially, the historical context of IFAP’s creation was investigated, highlighting the structural and political obstacles that delayed its consolidation in Amapá, in contrast to other Brazilian states. Subsequently, the process of implementation and operation of the Santana Campus was discussed, observing infrastructure limitations, difficulties in institutional planning, and the efforts undertaken to structure courses at different educational levels, even with scarce resources. Finally, a comparative analysis was carried out between the Campus's course offerings and the LPAs of the municipality of Santana, which involve the port and logistics, mineral, commerce and services, and agro-extractive sectors. The results demonstrated a convergence between IFAP's training offerings and a relevant part of the local economic dynamic, especially in the commerce, logistics, and services segments. Simultaneously, gaps were identified related to the mining and agro-extractive sectors, which are not yet contemplated by the institution's educational policy. It was concluded that the IFAP Santana Campus contributes significantly, but still partially, to regional development by expanding access to professional education, democratizing opportunities, and generating impacts on employability. However, it requires greater strategic alignment with specific local productive needs. Thus, the research evidenced that IFAP's role as a regional development agent depends on continuous investment in infrastructure and more consistent integration policies with territorial demands, reinforcing the character of professional and technological education as a vector of social inclusion and sustainable development in the context of Amazonian regional development.