ALVARADO, Rafael    JIMENEZ, Celeste. Relationship between competitiveness and regional development in Ecuador: an application of spatial models. []. , 31, pp.117-133.   31--2020. ISSN 2477-9075.  https://doi.org/10.25097/rep.n31.2020.06.

Competitiveness plays a relevant role in understanding the development processes of countries, regions, cities or companies. Evidence shows that isolated improvements do not necessarily lead to development, but rather require the integration of productive dynamics into the set of natural or acquired endowments in order to enhance internal strengths. This research has two objectives: first, to construct a competitiveness index for the cantons of Ecuador; second, to examine the relationship between the competitiveness index and cantonal development. In order to meet the objectives, the methodology proposed by the World Economic Forum and spatial econometric models, respectively, are used. The results show significant differences in cantonal competitiveness levels caused by differences in access to health, education, technology and institutional factors. In addition, we found that higher competitive indices have a positive influence on regional development. Our results provide new evidence of the importance of regional competitiveness for the design of public policies that promote the development of peripheral cantons.

: Regional competitiveness; Development; Poverty; Spatial models.

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