This paper seeks promote the knowledge and start the debate on the pertinence of the industrial policy and the implementation of public policies whose objective is invigorate the industrial growth that lead the economy to its productive structure change and to major long run growth rates. For this, from a structuralist vision and historical rationale a state of art has been elaborated that states the importance of the industry and of industrial policies for development of countries. The literature revised concludes that the manufacture industrial sector has important qualities for the productive diversification and economic growth of countries, therefore, it should be a key piece in the agenda of governments that want to promote the economic development.