This article discusses patterns of institutional and political participation based on new economic development experiences in situations created by the dynamics of the Brazilian automobile industry in the 1990s. Taking an empirical study of a region as an example, the study argues that even in a context where large companies have opportunistic motivations (tax exemptions, low wages, etc.), initiatives can emerge for society's mobilization and intervention to foster collaborative activities aimed at regional development.
regional development; social networks; political participation; industry