Construcción de Regiones Funcionales en Ecuador para una mejor inversión territorial. Caso de estudio catón Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Functional regions are geographic areas which are defined on the basis of the relationships between the nodes of the system, through flows facilitated by transportation and telecommunications networks. However, these networks are generally outside the basic cell of territorial organization in Ecuador, which is the canton, making it difficult for public investment to be directed to strengthen territorial dynamics for equitable territorial development. Therefore, the present work was developed with the objective of identifying the functional region of the Loja-Ecuador canton, through the analysis of the degree of socioeconomic interaction between human settlements and network infrastructures. From the results obtained, it was possible to identify a strong connection between the Loja canton and its neighboring cantons based on the satisfaction of basic needs, the formation of productive chains and relational flows; characteristics that were the basis for the development of a functional model that strengthens inter-cantonal relations and allows directing public investment to the integral development of the territory.