Development policies in a transitioning society: Challenges and obstacles. Chile during the first half of the 20th Century

Abstract

From the critical years in the mid-1920s, and for the next five decades, the state played a crucial role in shaping the economic and social processes in Chile. The central structure of the public sector, was reformed on several occasions, while regulatory bodies were created. Then, from 1926 onwards, a sort of "sub-structure" of agencies designed to boost production and support specific projects, was set up. At the same time, a copious legislation was enacted aimed at two objectives: first, to improve the performance of the public sector; second, to create adequate conditions for economic growth through the implementation of specifically designed public policies.