Productive transformation and the new relevance of industrial policies in Latin America

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the productive transformation and the new relevance of industrial policy in Latin America with reference to a new developmentalism. We reflect on the productive transformation of the region, where the stagnation of productivity is due to premature deindustrialization and the absence of structural change, in contrast to the successful experience of Southeast Asia. Given the renaissance of industrial policy, it is argued that the new policy for productive transformation should take into account four types of fundamental guidelines: climate change and emissions reduction, digitalization of production or Industry 4.0, new autonomies and shortening of chains, and social inclusion. We assume that, based on the lessons learned and the analysis of the obstacles from a structuralist perspective, it will be possible to find a new consensus for a productive transformation proposal with a regional integration perspective.