Disparidades económicas territoriales: análisis de las brechas y concentraciones internas en el ecuador. Periodo 2010-2020

Abstract

This study analyzes territorial economic disparities in Ecuador during the period 2010-2020, with the aim of measuring the magnitude of the gaps and the internal concentration of production. The study is based on the premise, grounded in ECLAC's approaches, that the agglomeration of economic activity in specific development hubs has created a marked divide between winning and losing territories. The quantitative results reveal deep and persistent structural inequality, reflected in an aggregate national Gini index of 0.65. The pairwise analysis of planning zones demonstrates the existence of extreme fractures when comparing metropolitan hubs with the most backward areas, revealing a polarized and non-convergent development model. The diagnosis determines that the main cause of this inequality is the extreme concentration of economic activity. Zones 8 and 9, along with the oil hub of Zone 2, account for the majority of the country's Gross Value Added, with the first two representing more than 50% of national production. It is argued that this model has been reinforced by public investment policies historically focused on large urban centers or extractive sectors, without a territorial development component that promotes equity. It is concluded that this economic disparity materializes in an inequality of opportunity that affects quality of life, employment, and access to services. Basic infrastructure, and the most complex services in health and education are massively concentrated in these economic hubs. It is recommended that investment in infrastructure and productive diversification be promoted in lagging areas to foster more inclusive and balanced national development.