Regional development policies in Brazil: An analysis of PNDR and PNOT

Abstract

The year 2024 marks the resumption of Regional Development Policies. At the beginning of that year, the National Regional Development Policy (PNDR) and the National Territorial Planning Policy (PNOT) were reactivated by the current government (2023/2026). Given the relevance of this action, this article aims to analyze the PNDR and the PNOT, seeking to study their trajectories, objectives, advances, similarities and differences. The article is analytical-descriptive and qualitative in nature. In order to answer the questions raised, a documentary analysis was carried out of the Decrees that instituted the policies and a literature review of articles, theses and dissertations that have worked on this subject, there was also an open interview with the Director of the Department of Regional Development Policies and Territorial Planning. In order to analyze the data, a number of analytical categories were considered to underpin the discussion, namely: territory, reduction of inequalities, sustainable development, regional development, advances and setbacks in public policies. It was observed that the policies aim to promote more balanced and sustainable development, seeking to take into account the particularities of each region of the country. However, it is difficult to move towards broader and more cohesive planning of the whole territory at its various scales, identifying gaps in planning and limitations of existing instruments. It was concluded that although there has been progress in this area in recent years, there are still significant challenges that need to be overcome. Taking a critical look at the PNDR and PNOT is essential in order to identify their limitations and look for ways to improve them.