The territorial structuring of the Biobío Region: another pending challenge

Abstract

This paper analyzes the situation of the Biobío Region in terms of its territorial structuring, on the basis of a review of the evolution of its urban system, the specialization of certain spaces and its infrastructure, taking into account that infrastructure can favor or slow down (if not accompany) its development. The growth of Greater Concepción in recent decades, as well as the persistence of certain intra-regional contrasts, seem to demonstrate that this metropolitan center exerts a sufficient attraction on men and wealth, facilitating a growth that occurs in "quasi-key" conditions, not allowing the structuring of solid regional ties that would ensure the region's transit towards conditions of greater development.