Aporte de los emprendedores de vestimenta artesanal al desarrollo económico en el cantón Cañar

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the contribution of artisanal clothing entrepreneurs to the economic development of the Cañar canton, considering its economic, social, cultural, and business management dimensions. The study was conducted using a mixed approach, with a descriptive and analytical design, through the application of surveys to artisanal clothing entrepreneurs and semi-structured interviews with artisans and institutional actors linked to the sector. The findings show that artisanal clothing enterprises contribute considerably to the local economy, especially by creating income for families. In addition, the significant social impact of the high participation of women artisans is recognized, which positions these initiatives as a means to strengthen the social fabric and promote economic inclusion. In this context, although the artisanal clothing entrepreneurship has high economic, social, and cultural value, its contribution to the economic development of the Cañar canton requires the implementation of comprehensive strategies that combine training, market access, productive innovation, and sustained public policies.

Keywords: handicrafts, cultural industries, entrepreneurship, local development, cultural heritage.