Regional development and territorial intelligence

Towards a new regionalization of the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

In 2022, through a constitutional amendment, the State of Rio de Janeiro (ERJ) became required to develop its Strategic Plan for Economic and Social Development (PEDES). Among the guiding pillars for long-term strategies, the resumption of regional development policies was established. As a contribution, this article advocates for the need to reconsider a new regionalization model for the state of Rio de Janeiro, to serve as the territorial reference for implementing the PEDES. Methodologically, we rely on the contributions brought by Territorial Intelligence, which is based on the following premises: (i) recognizing space as relational and a product of production relations; (ii) incorporating multi-scalar analysis in the formulation of regional policies and the socio-spatial organization of logistical assets, public services, and productive activities; and (iii) seeking new concepts and tools in the face of the state’s fiscal austerity context to rethink territorial planning. Thus, the regionalization discussed here will be based on the study of regional centralities, supported by the mapping of interactions between cities in Rio de Janeiro; and the presence of regional economic dynamics whose potential offers both greater competitiveness to the state and possibilities for socio-productive cohesion within and between municipalities and regions. As a result, we present an initial proposal for regionalization, with the "region" serving as the strategic focus for action, an element of territorial cohesion, and a space for implementing development policies.