University Engagement, Social Innovation, and Community Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Sustainable Community Development
Keywords:
Sustainable Community Development, University Engagement, Social InnovationAbstract
Sustainable community development in regions with cultural and tourism potential, such as the Pântano do Sul district in Florianópolis, requires strategies that balance economic growth, environmental preservation, and sociocultural valorization. This study explores how university engagement, combined with social innovation and community entrepreneurship, can drive sustainable local transformations and strengthen community autonomy in the face of accelerated urbanization.
The research adopts the FESINOVA methodology (Strengthening Solidarity Economy and Social Innovation), developed through extension activities at a Brazilian university. This approach integrates participatory workshops, capacitation activities and the analysis of local practices, emphasizing the articulation between academic and community-based knowledge. The results highlight the strategic role of the university as a mediating agent in promoting solidarity economy initiatives, supporting social entrepreneurship and enhancing cultural and environmental assets.
Key outcomes include the implementation of participatory initiatives such as the workshop series and the course “Entrepreneurship and Social Projects: From Ideas to Community Transformation,” the organization of a local fair aimed at income generation and cultural strengthening, as well as the development of final projects focused on ecosystem regeneration, responsible tourism supported by digital guides, and sustainable waste management practices in public schools.
The study concludes that the FESINOVA methodology—by integrating university extension, social innovation, and community entrepreneurship—offers a promising pathway for sustainable community development. Its participatory and place-based approach contributes to building more resilient, equitable, and self-empowered communities.
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