Impacto de los precios de los recursos naturales en el desarrollo económico de los países sudamericanos, período 2000-2020

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of natural resource prices (oil, natural gas, and copper) on the economic development of South American countries, recognized globally as major producers of these commodities. To this end, an econometric analysis of unbalanced panel data was conducted, using information from the period 2000 2020 and considering the Human Development Index (HDI) as a representative indicator of the level of economic and social development. The results show that the relationship between natural resources and HDI is neither unidimensional nor strictly positive, as the initial hypothesis proposed. These findings reinforce the importance of efficient management of natural resource rents and suggest that their exploitation should be accompanied by public policies focused on investment in key sectors such as health and education. It is recommended that South American governments strengthen their fiscal and institutional strategies to transform extractive wealth into sustainable improvements in the well-being and quality of life of the population.