Entrepreneurship' sustainability of the popular and solidarity economy in Ecuador

IF 1.7 Q2 GEOGRAPHY

Regional Science Policy and Practice Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.rspp.2024.100154

Marcela Guachamín , Roberth Rodríguez , Vicente Mejía , Oscar García

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The popular and solidarity economy (PSE) plays a vital role in the economic and social development of Ecuador, fostering inclusion, employment, and the sustainability of local economies. This study aims to develop an index that assesses the sustainability levels of PSE organizations in Ecuador by evaluating several factors, including organizational processes, productivity, innovation, income generation, democracy, cooperation, and environmental practices. Using data from the Unique Registry of PSE Organizations in Ecuador, we employ Variational Autoencoders (VAE) network for modeling, combined with a Bayesian optimization process and K-means clustering to categorize sustainability levels by province. Findings indicate a high level of sustainability in Santa Elena, Pastaza, and Guayas, although challenges remain in terms of innovation and environmental practices. This research provides a framework for policy interventions designed to enhance sustainable growth within the PSE sector in Ecuador.

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来源期刊

Regional Science Policy and Practice GEOGRAPHY-

CiteScore

3.60

自引率

5.90%

发文量

期刊介绍： Regional Science Policy & Practice (RSPP) is the official policy and practitioner orientated journal of the Regional Science Association International. It is an international journal that publishes high quality papers in applied regional science that explore policy and practice issues in regional and local development. It welcomes papers from a range of academic disciplines and practitioners including planning, public policy, geography, economics and environmental science and related fields. Papers should address the interface between academic debates and policy development and application. RSPP provides an opportunity for academics and policy makers to develop a dialogue to identify and explore many of the challenges facing local and regional economies.