Las Microempresas en Ecuador Frente a la Digitalización

The CIAGEN Network, as part of the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS), in collaboration with the Administrative and Economic Sciences programs at the Salesian Polytechnic University, Cuenca campus, organized the XI International Congress on Auditing, Management, and Business (CIAGEN), under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Economy and Business.” Previous congresses were held in person in Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is important to note that, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last three years were conducted virtually, resuming in-person participation at the XI Congress with the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Economy and Business.” These events have become a space for dialogue and exchange between the academic and business sectors, enabling the discussion of current and innovative topics that represent new challenges in the development of science. The XI Congress was organized in two parts: the first part included the participation of expert speakers from various global organizations such as Huawei, IBM, TECNASA, Think Web Service, Mondragón Group, UNESCO, Chubb Insurance, and Banco del Pichincha, who also participated in dialogue tables to discuss and analyze issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The second part featured the presentation of 14 papers by researchers from universities in various countries such as Spain, Italy, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador, covering the following thematic areas: AI applications in production and labor; AI applications in the provision of financial services; and the ethics of AI in economy, education, and business. Through the interventions of speakers and presenters, it became clear how AI has moved from being a mere scientific speculation to becoming a key and fundamental element in almost all industries and aspects of our daily lives. From process automation to the analysis of complex data, AI is reshaping the way we work, produce, and consume. In the economic realm, AI is having a significant impact. First, it is revolutionizing the way businesses operate. With advanced algorithms and machine learning systems, companies can optimize their processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in unprecedented ways. From supply chain management to customer service, AI is transforming the way business operations are carried out. Moreover, AI is driving innovation. With tools such as pattern recognition and idea generation, researchers and entrepreneurs can develop new solutions and products more quickly and efficiently. This not only fosters economic growth but also encourages job creation and competitiveness in the global market. However, it is crucial to recognize that the widespread adoption of AI also presents unique challenges. Automation can lead to job losses in certain industries while creating higher demand in others, requiring a reevaluation of labor policies and, above all, training, to ensure that everyone can adapt and thrive in the economy of the future. Additi.