Integrado takes part in global study on the Gig Economy
Posted: 2023-11-17
Out of 780 projects submitted, the European Union selected only 145; Integrado will offer free courses and conduct research into the on-demand economy
Centro Universitário Integrado has won unprecedented funding from the European Union to develop local activities related to the Gig Economy. The 30,000 euro grant was awarded by the Erasmus 2023 study and exchange program and will be used with the community, via free and certified courses, over the next three years.
Of the 780 projects from around the world that applied, only 145 were selected. "This demonstrates the high level and qualification of our proposals and proves that our pillars are very well aligned with those of the European Union," says Fabrício Pelloso, head of Innovation and coordinator of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Research and Extension at Integrado.
Integrado was the only educational institution in the northwestern region of Paraná - and one of the few in the whole of Brazil - to take part in Erasmus 2023. The funding will be used to conduct global research locally entitled "On-Demand Economy in the European Union: Legal, Economic, Socio-Cultural and Political Implications".
"Our institutional strategic orientation encourages high-impact research. We understand that the research-extension-teaching tripod is essential and that's why we already have numerous research projects underway in agribusiness, many of which are funded by companies. Now, we're expanding this work to the economy and showing the world - not just Brazil - that we have the capacity to generate international research," explains Grupo Integrado's CEO, Jeferson Vinhas.
What is the Gig Economy?
Characterized by temporary, flexible employment that is often based on short projects or specific tasks for several companies - rather than traditional full-time, salaried jobs - the Gig Economy is a growing trend that embraces those who have left the stable office environment to lead their own careers.
Among the main advantages are the possibility of obtaining higher salaries, setting your own rates and working hours. However, because there is no formal employment relationship, employees are not entitled to benefits such as vacations, 13th salary, transport vouchers, food tickets and health insurance.
According to the European Union, the balance between benefits and damage to workers as a result of this new world order of work needs to be better studied.
Changes in labor relations
In order to understand these dynamics, Integrado will be offering an unprecedented, free, short course starting next year. The Gig Economy training will have 112 hours of teaching - divided into 12 contents - will take place between March and August 2024 and will have 50 places available. In September 2024, a specific event will conclude the activities and award the certificates.
The course will have four Brazilian teachers and teachers from Mexico, Portugal, Russia and Italy. All classes and activities will be online and in Portuguese. There will also be research activities, which will result in up to three scientific publications in national and international academic journals.
Registration
"To take part, you just need to have completed a degree or be in progress. People from any higher education background who are interested in the theme of the course are eligible," explains Pelloso. Registration will be open soon. Those interested can contact coord.nepe@grupointegrado.br.
The second and third classes of the free Gig Economy training will take place in 2025 and 2026, also with 50 places available each year.
Sharing information
With these activities, Centro Universitario Integrado will help develop an open-source database - which can be viewed, downloaded, modified, distributed and reused - with information on local on-demand economy practices.
The data and conclusions from these interactions will become sources for the creation of sound public policies, within the values that involve respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy and equality. The results of these surveys will be available on the Erasmus project platform. There, the public will be able to access a complete display of the information and view the content.
"We're restless and we look for topics that lead students to expand their thinking beyond their horizons, to see more possibilities and to be prepared for a constantly evolving market. And when we talk about an economy based on temporary or informal work, we have no idea of the extent to which this works in the European Union. It's a trend that's on the rise in developed countries," adds Rafael Zampar, Business Director at Centro Universitário Integrado.
Photo credit
Olia Danilevich-Pexels
