Popular Cooperatives Incubators and the University Extension: The Case Incoop-UFSCar

Abstract

Objective: This research analyse the link between popular cooperatives incubators and the University through the extension activity. Methodology / Approach: The methodology applied is a case study at INCOOP-UFSCar in order to evaluate how the Cooperative contributes to the development of the actors in the University. Originality / Relevance: Activities with prospective co-workers generate joint socio-economic benefits for co-workers and academics, but the benefits to the University have scarcer assessments. Main results: The Incubator, as an extension project, can be considered a mean of operationalizing the role of the University vis-a-vis the community in which it is inserted, meeting local demands and also serving as locus in the academy development. Theoretical / methodological contributions: In this study, it is observed that the Incubadora Regional de Cooperativas Populares (INCOOP) positively impacts not only cooperators but also contributes to the development of extension activities of Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar) students and administrative technicians.