Convergencia Económica en la Región 5, caso provincias de: Península de Santa Elena, Guayas, Los Ríos, Bolívar (2007 - 2020) r

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines economic convergence in Ecuador s Region 5 (Santa Elena, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Bolívar) between 2007 and 2020. Its main objective is to determine whether provinces with lower relative income have managed to catch up with more developed ones, through the analysis of sigma and beta convergence. The research assumes that, in a convergence scenario, lagging territories grow faster and progressively reduce economic gaps. The study adopts a quantitative approach with a non-experimental design. Gross Value Added (GVA) per capita was used as a proxy for income, applying cross-sectional logarithmic regressions for beta convergence and a simple linear regression on the standard deviation of the log GVA per capita for sigma convergence.The results show no evidence of beta convergence in any year, and a growing trend in income dispersion among provinces, indicating regional divergence. It is concluded that regional income gaps have not diminished, highlighting the urgent need for differentiated territorial policies to promote greater equity and balanced regional development.