Modelo estructural de Innovación, Gestión del Conocimiento y Cadena de Suministros en la Nube en Pymes Portuarias Ecuatorianas

Rafael Emiliano Apolinario Quintana; Fernando José Zambrano Farías; Robin Xavier Martínez Mayorga; Martha Graciela Rodríguez Donoso; Carlos Eduardo Apolinario Quintana

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-2239

Authors

Rafael Emiliano Apolinario Quintana University of Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1719-5425
Fernando José Zambrano Farías Universidad Internacional del Ecuador / Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6384-3353
Robin Xavier Martínez Mayorga University of Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8193-6251
Martha Graciela Rodríguez Donoso University of Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5774-7760
Carlos Eduardo Apolinario Quintana University of Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0618-3771

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2239

Keywords:

executive innovation, knowledge management, logistics chain, structural model, SMEs, port logistics, digital transformation, cloud

Abstract

Introduction: The study analyses the relationship between executive innovation capacity, knowledge management strategies and the cloud supply chain in SMEs in the Ecuadorian port sector. Methodology: A non-experimental quantitative approach was applied, using a structured questionnaire with 58 items, validated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 320 participants from logistics SMEs took part. Results: Four significant factors were identified, with a total explained variance of 74.95%. The model showed acceptable fit indices (CFI = 0.844; RMSEA = 0.105). Executive innovation capacity had a significant direct and mediating effect in the model. Discussions: The results are consistent with previous studies that highlight the integrative role of knowledge and innovation in digital transformation processes. The importance of innovative leadership for technology adoption in logistics environments was evidenced. Conclusions: The proposed model provides useful empirical evidence for strengthening organisational and digital capabilities in SMEs in the port sector.

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Author Biographies

Rafael Emiliano Apolinario Quintana, University of Guayaquil

Industrial Engineer with a PhD in Business Administration and multiple postgraduate degrees in commerce, economics and international sciences. He has over 35 years of experience in undergraduate and postgraduate university teaching in areas such as logistics, foreign trade and scientific research. He has held technical and management positions in public institutions such as EMETEL and SENAE, and as a customs expert and claims adjuster accredited by the Superintendency of Companies and the OAS. He is the author of books and scientific articles, director of university courses, and speaker at national and international conferences. An entrepreneur in foreign trade, he has founded companies such as INSPECTSERV S.A., ROADSEA S.A., and others. He is currently a professor and senior researcher at the University of Guayaquil at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Fernando José Zambrano Farías, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador / Universidad de Guayaquil

Doctor of Economics, Business and Law, with postgraduate training in Corporate Finance, Financial Management and Economics. He works as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Guayaquil and the International University of Ecuador, where he teaches economics, finance and methodology. He has been a career director, financial consultant and manager in various Ecuadorian companies. His research focuses on business profitability, sustainability and governance, with multiple publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. He is an active member of research groups on Ethics, Gender and Innovation and editor of scientific journals. He has extensive experience in data analysis with R, SPSS and bibliometric tools.

Robin Xavier Martínez Mayorga, University of Guayaquil

Engineer in Computer Statistics, Master's Degree in Economics, research areas: Business Failure, Survival Analysis, Models implemented in the field of Business Intelligence, Entrepreneurship and Teaching. Full-time Associate Professor at the University of Guayaquil, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Lecturer in Business Administration, and in the Master's Degree in Foreign Trade since 2014, Accredited Research Lecturer at Senescyt and member of the Research Group of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences at the University of Guayaquil.

Martha Graciela Rodríguez Donoso, University of Guayaquil

Commercial Engineer from the University of Guayaquil, Bachelor of Education from the Private University of Loja, Advanced Diploma in Design and Evaluation of Educational Models, Advanced Diploma in Curriculum Design and Management, Master's Degree in Design and Evaluation of Educational Models. Twenty-five years of teaching experience in secondary and higher education. Research lecturer at the University of Guayaquil, Faculty of Economic Sciences. Director of community outreach projects. Researcher for FCI projects. Author and co-author of several scientific articles with regional and global impact in the economic and administrative fields. In addition, author and co-author of books in the areas of logistics and foreign trade, tutor for degree theses and postgraduate theses. Administrative Manager of ROADSEA S.A. and INSPECTSERV S.A.

Carlos Eduardo Apolinario Quintana, University of Guayaquil

Doctor, Specialist in Community Health, Master's Degree in Epidemiology from the University of Guayaquil and PhD candidate in Health Sciences at the National University of Tumbes, Peru. He has extensive professional experience in the field of health, having worked as an official for the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health since 1980. He currently combines his health work with community work, serving as an epidemiologist specialising in the country's points of entry. He is an undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer at the University of Guayaquil, where he has trained numerous generations of health professionals. His contribution to the development of the Ecuadorian health system has been constant and significant, standing out for his commitment to public health and epidemiological prevention.

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