Modelos de innovación de negocios y sostenibilidad de emprendimientos juveniles en Guayaquil

Abstract

This research aims to analyze innovation and sustainability models in youth-led businesses in the city of Guayaquil, based on the importance of understanding how innovation affects the success of these businesses in a competitive environment. The main purpose is to evaluate the innovation models implemented by youth-led businesses in Guayaquil. The aim is to identify the fundamental innovation models used by young people, analyze the relationship between the integration of innovative models and the economic, social, and environmental viability of the projects, and propose strategies to strengthen sustainable innovation in youth-led businesses. To his end, a mixed-methods approach is applied, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental design, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection is carried out through structured surveys administered to young entrepreneurs and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of innovation. The results reveal that innovation models primarily focus on integrating digital technologies. A favorable relationship was observed between their implementation and the sustainability of ventures, although obstacles such as lack of investment and resistance to change were also identified. However, obstacles such as lack of investment and resistance to change were also identified. Finally, we can conclude that innovation plays a fundamental role in the sustainability of youth-led businesses, highlighting innovation models and providing financial support and training to young entrepreneurs.