“Competitividad Sectorial: Un análisis comparativo entre el sector primario y secundario del Ecuador en el periodo 2018 – 2023.”

Abstract

The study analyzes differences in competitiveness between Ecuador's primary and secondary sectors during 2018-2023. It is based on the work of Porter, Romer, and Krugman, who link competitiveness to productivity and the structure of the economy. A quantitative longitudinal approach was employed, using panel data models estimated with fixed and random effects based on the Hausman test, with sector-level robust errors. The results reveal persistent structural gaps between sectors. In the labor cost competitiveness model, investment and the minimum wage were significant, reflecting the importance of productivity and formalization. In the index of productive specialization, investment was found to be correlated with diversification processes, whereas in the coverage ratio, gross fixed capital formation had a negative short-term effect. It is concluded that sectoral competitiveness is primarily driven by structural factors associated with capital accumulation, productivity, and external integration.