“La innovación y su influencia en la ventaja competitiva en el sector minero del cantón Ponce Enríquez.”

Abstract

The relationship between innovation and competitive advantage is fundamental in the business context. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the influence of innovation on competitive advantage in the mining sector of the Ponce Enriquez canton in the Azuay province, Ecuador. The methodology was quantitative, descriptive, and correlational. Thirty-six mining companies from the mentioned canton were involved in the research. The application of contingency charts and a multivariable linear regression model was proposed to analyze the results. This analysis shows that innovation has a positive and significant influence on the dependent variable of competitive advantage; moreover, the dimensions of innovation, knowledge management, and technology directly and significantly influence the competitive advantage variable. It is concluded that every effort to innovate constitutes progress toward strengthening competitiveness and serves as a means to achieve greater sustainability in an environment of constant market change.