Analysis of the Socioeconomic Situation of MSMEs Operating in the Province of Pichincha During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sociocultural Component

This project addresses the critical need to diagnose the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. The research stems from severe national economic impacts, including estimated losses of USD 30 billion and a GDP contraction exceeding 6.5%, with a particularly acute effect in Pichincha due to unemployment in Quito, an 85% drop in Cayambe's floriculture sector, and the paralysis of tourism. The core problem is the lack of liquidity and asset backing for MSMEs to cope with falling demand and supply chain disruptions. The proposed solution relies on a quantitative methodology, specifically through the administration of a survey targeting the province's MSMEs. The ultimate goal is to obtain an accurate diagnosis that enables local governments to focus their economic reactivation efforts by identifying the most vulnerable productive sectors requiring priority intervention, while also considering the social and cultural shifts resulting from social distancing.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To estimate the economic impacts and the short- and medium-term sustainability effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Pichincha.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>State, citizenship, public policies and interculturality