Poverty and Competitiveness in the Monte Sinaí Zone of Guayaquil City in the Post-Pandemic Era (POCOMPIA)

The project 'Poverty and competitiveness in the Monte Sinaí area' (PCZMSCGEEPP), led by the GISEE research group at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, investigates the critical factors limiting economic development in one of Guayaquil's most vulnerable areas. Following the pandemic, the study addresses how child malnutrition, physical and mental health, low education levels, and limited access to basic services affect regional competitiveness. The methodology employs an interdisciplinary approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze field-collected data. The research team collaborates closely with the Jesús Divino Chambero Foundation to conduct surveys and document the social reality through a documentary film. This effort seeks not only to diagnose the situation but also to provide an empirical basis for future public policies. Expected outcomes include the publication of ten scientific articles indexed in Scopus, contributing to academic knowledge on popular economy and local development. The 24-month project represents an institutional commitment to improving quality of life and understanding structural inequalities in marginalized urban environments.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Analyze the impact of poverty, malnutrition, health, and education on the competitiveness of the Monte Sinaí area in Guayaquil in the post-pandemic era. The project aims to generate scientific evidence to understand local socioeconomic barriers.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Economic development, popular economy and finance, and MSMEs