Factores clave para el éxito de las microempresas en la costa ecuatoriana en el contexto postpandemia

Mario Alfredo Fernández Solís; Mario Alfredo Fernández Ronquillo; Gloria de Lourdes Solís Beltrán; Jazmín Alexandra Pérez Salazar

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-2261

Authors

Mario Alfredo Fernández Solís State University of Milagro https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9648-3670
Mario Alfredo Fernández Ronquillo State University of Milagro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3630-102X
Gloria de Lourdes Solís Beltrán Universidad Estatal de Milagro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6613-4912
Jazmín Alexandra Pérez Salazar Universidad Estatal de Milagro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0209-8040

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2261

Keywords:

competencies, microenterprises, post-pandemic, business management, ecuadorian coast, competitiviness, perfomance, leadership

Abstract

Introduction: This article examines entrepreneurial competencies and their impact on microenterprises on the Ecuadorian coast in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As contextual background, issues such as informality, limited training, and low levels of digitalization prior to the pandemic are highlighted. The objective is to identify key factors influencing the performance of these microenterprises. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 645 microentrepreneurs from the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santa Elena, using exploratory factor analysis. Results: The findings revealed six main factors: operational management, strategic training, emotional competencies, innovation, leadership, and communication. Emotional competencies showed a strong influence on business resilience (factor loading 0.702), while short-term goal setting (0.489) was identified as a driver of innovation. Discussion: Although provincial differences were minimal in certain factors, significant gaps were observed in leadership and competitiveness in the province of Los Ríos. The study’s limitations include the absence of longitudinal analysis and insufficient customization in training programs. The study concludes that enhancing personal, operational, and strategic competencies—together with the implementation of localized training initiatives—is essential for the sustainability and competitiveness of these enterprises.

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Author Biographies

Mario Alfredo Fernández Solís, State University of Milagro

Magister en Administración Pública de la Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Ingeniero Comercial, miembro del grupo de investigación “RENACER”, Coordinador de la Maestría en Administración Pública UNEMI. Autor y Co autor de artículos de investigación en Ciencias Sociales. Docente Investigador con interés en Políticas públicas, Transparencia y control Social, Desigualdad, Económica, Gobernanza multinivel, Educación y equidad social.

Mario Alfredo Fernández Ronquillo, State University of Milagro

Doctorate in Business Administration and Management (PhD) from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain. Master's degree in Business Administration, Economist, Research Lecturer at the State University of Milagro, Ecuador, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Commercial Education and Law, member of the RENACER research group.

Gloria de Lourdes Solís Beltrán , Universidad Estatal de Milagro

Master's Degree in Educational Management; Clinical Psychologist – Lecturer at Milagro State University, Ecuador, Director of the RENACER Research Group

Jazmín Alexandra Pérez Salazar, Universidad Estatal de Milagro

Economist, Advanced Diploma in Economics of Ecuador and the World, Advanced Diploma in International Economics, Master's Degree in International Business and Foreign Trade Management

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