Institutional Elements and the Transformation of Paraná Productive Structure in the Seventies

Abstract

The objective of this work is to provide the understanding of the conditions, which led tochanges within the productive structure of the state. In order to reach our goal, we analyzethis process as a whole. First, we studied the context in which these transformations occurred,then we treated the characteristics of the changes within the productive structure, finally weanalyzed the profile of institutional intervention of the Paraná’s government. We concluded that the initiatives undertaken under the “Projeto Paranaense de Desenvolvimento” had asignificant role in achieving meaningful economic results over the period considered. Weknow that between 1971 and 1980, the state of Paraná grew at 13% per year. If this factalone is a considerable achievement, the scenario becomes even more impressive becauseit was marked by profound changes in the productive structure of the state. During the70s, the industrial income grew 480% causing the development of a strong manufacturingbase within the State. Furthermore, the analysis of the industrial composition allows us tosay that the industry was significantly modernized in this period. The most representative industrial sectors at the beginning of the decade were linked to primary activities, while atthe end of the decade, sectors like chemicals and metal mechanics were in the spotlight. Much of the explanation for the nature and speed of these transformations can be foundedwithin the analysis of the “Projeto Paranaense de Desenvolvimento”.