A change of perspective on Development Planning. From National Policies to Local and Regional Estrategies. A Latinoamerican point of view

This paper examines the transformations happened in development policies during the XX century, putting especial emphasis in the changes suffered by the discipline known as Development Planning. Specifically, It is analyzed the change of perspective that crossed this area of knowledge, from the approach known as "Development from above" to the one called "Development from below". In this sense, the main characteristics of different regional theories are discussed. Also we described the foundations of local development theory and we analyzed it strength and weaknesses, putting special attention in Latin America experience. Finally, we considered necessary the construction of new approaches that allow academics to surpass controversies and learn of the historical experience.