Regional Identity in Local Productive Arrangements

Local Productive Arrangements (LPAs) are spatially distributed within a well-defined region, so regional identity is important in studies aimed at understanding the factors that determine their consolidation and development. Indeed, the regional identity of the actors is an important element to be considered in their willingness to co-operate and associate with other actors, as well as engage in actions aimed at promoting regional development. The aim of this research was to see how regional identity manifests itself in LPAs. To this end, six LPAs located in the Divinópolis micro-region, situated in the Centre-West region of the state of Minas Gerais / Brazil, were considered. This is an instrumental multiple case study. Evidence for the study was obtained through interviews with stakeholders, on-site observations and document analysis. It was concluded that the concept of regional identity is applicable to studies whose purpose is to identify factors that contribute to understanding the processes of maintenance and development of LPAs, contributing to studies aimed at regional development.