The mathematical theory of symbolic trajectories, whose use in multi-regime dynamics we are exploring, has also generated a set of qualitative methods of symbolic time series analysis (STSA), to be reviewed hereafter. They are illustrated by instances of multi-regime dynamics characterized by a progressively broadening regime menu, offering thus the possibility of increasingly rich regime-histories. Information-theoretic measures of complexity in dynamics are introduced, allowing for instance for cross-country or cross-sector comparisons as well as for a qualitative appraisal of structural change. The key application is to the six-regime dynamics in the Framework Space of the Italian macro-regions, whose sectorally disaggregated growth performances are taken to reflect differentiated patterns of structural change induced by capital accumulation and innovation.