After the end of World War II, Portugal had to adapt its productive structure to the new economic reality to achieve greater economic development, and to overcome the weaknesses that appeared during the world conflict. However, the option for industrialization defended by the industrialists would have to face the country’s characteristics and the regime’s priorities. The creation of the National Institute for Industrial Research shows how “Estado Novo” looked at industrialization. It also presents the tension between the need for industrial development and the defence of the regime’s priorities.

Keywords:
Portugal; “Estado Novo”; National Institute for Industrial Research