IFAgroTECH: the innovative form of technological inclusion of the small and medium rural producers

Abstract

This chapter aims to show how the Federal Institute of Paraná (IFPR) is seeking to increase the productivity and competitiveness of agricultural organizations, and the well-being of rural people. Despite the growing promotion of the use of technological innovation for the solution of problems related to the field, a dichotomy between theory and practice is observed, especially in relation to the small and medium rural producers, since much of this technological innovation does not, in fact, reaches its end user. Studies and theories, like the one about the Triple-Helix model, try to approach the demander of technology (rural producer), the offerer of solutions (Science and Technology Institutions - S&TI) and the State, that mediates the relation between these entities. However, practice shows that the claimant is unknown what S&TI's can or actually produce. In this circumstance, the IFPR idealized and implemented in its campuses the strategy nominated IFAgroTECH,  that aims to bring together in the same space the rural producers that, in a specific format, explain their main problems; the IFPR researchers, who through research projects develop or direct technologies for the solution of such problems; and the state, at the municipal level, which supports entities with physical and financial resources. This methodology, articulating institutions and rural people, insert technological innovation in rural activities and has already produced first results. Events held in the cities of Capanema, Pitanga and Quedas do Iguaçu presented projects that were awarded in the 10th edition at InnovaCities, held in Cascavel-PR, including IFPR being awarded the International Prize Alféza Rastegar Trophy, Innovation Innovative Global Youth Category. The IFAgroTECH brand had applied for registration with the INPI in the year 2019.