The "thinking territorially" regional differences in Brazil

Abstract

The theory of endogenous development presupposes the protagonism of local actors, interacting in ties of territorial cooperation. In other words, the idea that gains momentum in the academic and political spheres is that the diversities and peculiarities of the locality should be widely considered and discussed in the process of implementing policies, and that local social actors play a fundamental role in the elaboration of effective actions, since these are the greatest connoisseurs of their problems and territorial reality. This perception contrasts sharply with linear thinking based on the centralization of political decisions, which treats the various territorial realities with homogeneous dynamics. Given this duality of perceptions, the objective of the present study is to show that the Brazilian regions, in fact, present distinct socioeconomic traits that, in a long way, are far from a homogeneous and unique territory. This presupposes, therefore, the combination of more general public policies with more specific and localized actions, in order to contemplate the various dynamics and territorial realities of Brazil. It was proved, with the descriptive analysis, that the North and Northeast regions, the largest in territorial terms, are the ones that continue to present the worst results in socioeconomic terms. Thus, it is evident the need to "think territorially" considering the particularities of these regions in order to seek economic development for Brazil.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/uniknowindevolp-083