Abstract

The process of globalization, the emergence of new technological paradigms, the increasing introduction of market mechanisms in the economies and the formation of regional trade blocs, have brought about deep productive restructuring amongst the various sectors of human activity. These changes are forcing the policy makers to envisage new ways of intervention in the regions, in all countries, so that they can face the new challenges that regional development is posing in the present days. This work attempts to present the major aspects of a new world scenery, characterized by the introduction of processes of productive flexibilization and the creation of new industrial spaces and makes a case study of restructuring in the shoe industry in Brazil.

JEL Classification: L67; F61.