International literature discussing the transformation of countries, territories and firms brought about by economic globalization and the dissemination of new information technologies has presented some hypotheses that maintain the emergence of new economic and territorial configurations known as «global cities» or «city regions». The latter reflect a new dynamic based on networks of actors involved in intense flows of knowledge and technology, as well as increased abilities for institutional learning. In this paper we discuss such hypotheses in light of experiences in the São Paulo state economy, considering whether processes of «expanded reconcentration» can be accommodated within the concepts of global city and city region. In addition to the mentioned perspectives, we also examine and take support, in theoretical terms, from the propositions of authors affiliated with the regulationist school. Through a critical reading of these currents, we develop the notion that, precisely due to changes occurring in the economy of the state of São Paulo during the nineties, there was a spatial concentration of industry which, although demonstrating some aspects associated with the economic spatial configurations known as city regions, has noticeable and significant differences. For this reason, this movement of «expanded reconcentration», marked by the heavy predominance of the Greater São Paulo (including therein the region known as the ABC) and surrounding regions (Campinas, São José dos Campos, Santos e Sorocaba) cannot be characterized as a regional dynamic connected with networks of global cities and disconnected from the rest of the Brazilian economy. Furthermore, unlike the international literature that discusses the emergence of global cities, we cannot associate the mentioned changes with a virtual substitution of the secondary sector by the service sector.
spatial distribution of industry; São Paulo state industry; productive restructuring; city region; global city
