This study deals with the development role of the Egyptian state in the period from the July 23 revolution of 1952 until the January 25 revolution of 2011. It gives particular importance to the period from 1971 to 2011, given what the author describes as “the elimination of the development role of the state” and the pronounced negative effect this had on the economic structure of Egypt over the past 40 years. The author illustrates how the economic system in this period was based on two main pillars: free market forces and a large private sector. In light of the revolution of January 25, 2011, the study proposes five key dimensions for change related to comprehensive development: national planning, a focus on manufacturing industry, the production of scientific and technological services, the restoration of the social and economic oversight role of the state and the public sector in close cooperation with the productive private sector and the cooperative sector, and the mobilization of “the economic surplus” by efficient and fair distribution policies.