André Luis Bradacz, Edson Murilo Costa, Raphael Calage Tonera
Brazilian public universities play a fundamental role in the country's scientific, technological, and social development, requiring management models that promote efficiency, transparency, and high-quality public services. In this context, strategic planning has become an essential tool for guiding decision-making, optimizing the allocation of public resources, and strengthening institutional governance. This study aims to analyze the contribution of strategic planning to improving management in Brazilian public universities. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, based on a literature review and documentary analysis addressing strategic planning, public management, university governance, and the legislation applicable to public higher education institutions. The findings indicate that, when implemented as a continuous management process rather than merely a formal requirement, strategic planning contributes to setting institutional priorities, monitoring performance indicators, improving resource allocation, and enhancing transparency and accountability. The study concludes that its effectiveness depends on the active participation of the academic community, administrative continuity, and the adoption of continuous monitoring mechanisms. Therefore, strategic planning constitutes a key element in strengthening university management, contributing to a more efficient, participatory, and results-oriented public administration.