The policy of growth poles in the Mezzogiorno. Elements for a historical perspective

The paper carries out a review of the literature dealing with the Italian growth poles policy, from the 1950s to the end of the 1980s. The text is divided into three parts. The 4th Siderurgical Center and the start of the Alfasud car plant are the objects of the first two parts; the third part summarizes the limits and successes of the Italian experience of growth poles. Whilst the Italian poles' policy limits are well known, their successes are scarcely dealt with. Three main results of the policy emerge: many large profitable plants have been embedded in the Southern economy; growth poles have proved to be vital and able to stably attract investments; in some cases the poles have induced the start-up and the development of firms in Southern Italy, and have stimulated the local economy.