Crescimento econômico, desigualdades regionais e políticas públicas: Uma análise para o Nordeste brasileiro ( 2002-2021)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the evolution of regional policy instruments and their relationship with economic growth and the reduction of regional disparities in Northeast Brazil between 2002 and 2021. The methodology is based primarily on a historical-institutional approach and, complementarily, on the estimation of panel data econometric models. The results indicate that, during the period analyzed, the reduction of interregional disparities occurred mainly through a decline in personal income inequality, driven primarily by income transfer policies. Within the Northeast region, the growth of the semi-arid area stands out; combined with income transfer policies, it was strongly influenced by the actions of the Constitutional Financing Fund of the Northeast (FNE), resulting in growth rates above the regional average. In this sense, a positive relationship is observed between public policies, economic growth, and the reduction of regional disparities. However, such policies do not appear to be sufficient to promote structural changes capable of accelerating the process of reducing regional inequalities at a faster pace.