This paper presents the stages of an acceleration program focused on chemical technologies. We demonstrate how this initiative contributes to the creation of new businesses, startups, and technology licensing from research developed at Brazilian universities. The case of the program Escale-se is discussed. There were 66 technologies submitted, and 14 were selected for the pre-acceleration phase. In this phase, various contents were worked on, such as creating a business model and aspects of scaling hard-science technologies. Teams were evaluated by panels with market specialists, and 6 were selected for the second phase: pre-scaling/proof of concept. Here, proponents were encouraged to validate the business model by connecting with potential clients and partners, as well as planning the development and testing of the product in a relevant environment. Finally, one team was classified for the last stage: scaling/go-to-market - where they received R$ 100,000.00 to scale up their technology and create strategies for raising investments. Four of the fourteen technologies selected for the program opened National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ) and raised approximately R$ 4.5 M in investments from different sources. These results demonstrate that the methodology contributed to the entrepreneurial development of participating researchers and the raising of funds for the businesses created. startups universities Escalese Escale se discussed submitted 1 preacceleration pre phase hardscience hard science specialists prescaling/proof prescalingproof scaling/proof proof concept Here partners environment Finally stage scaling/gotomarket scalinggotomarket scaling/go go R 10000000 100 000 00 100,000.0 CNPJ (CNPJ 45 4 5 4. sources created prescaling scalingproof gotomarket scalinggo 1000000 10 0 100,000. 100000 100,000 10000 100,00 1000 100,0 100,

Resumo A competitividade das empresas do setor de sistemas eletromecânicos de engenharia desempenha um papel fundamental na promoção do crescimento econômico e da inovação. O objetivo deste estudo é desenvolver um índice abrangente para avaliar a competitividade das empresas, com foco na eficiência operacional, posicionamento estratégico e o ambiente internacional. Empregando uma análise fatorial exploratória, os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário aplicado a 280 empresas em Moscou, Rússia. O índice proposto permite uma avaliação dinâmica da competitividade, permitindo a análise de indicadores-chave ao longo do tempo e prevendo mudanças na competitividade. As conclusões revelam fatores críticos que contribuem para a competitividade no sector, permitindo aos decisores formular estratégias para melhorar a sua posição competitiva. Esta pesquisa fornece informações valiosas para formuladores de políticas, profissionais da indústria e pesquisadores acadêmicos no aumento da competitividade das empresas de sistemas eletromecânicos de engenharia e na promoção do desenvolvimento econômico sustentável. As contribuições do estudo para a literatura e sua relevância prática o tornam um recurso valioso para o público acadêmico e do setor. inovação operacional internacional exploratória 28 Moscou Rússia indicadoreschave indicadores chave sector competitiva políticas sustentável 2

Abstract The competitiveness of enterprises in the electromechanical systems engineering sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. This study aims to design a comprehensive index for evaluating enterprise competitiveness, focusing on operational efficiency, strategic positioning, and the international environment. Employing an exploratory factor analysis, data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 280 enterprises in Moscow, Russia. The proposed index allows for a dynamic assessment of competitiveness, enabling the analysis of key indicators over time and predicting changes in competitiveness. The findings reveal critical factors contributing to competitiveness in the sector, enabling decision-makers to formulate strategies for improving their competitive position. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and academic researchers in enhancing the competitiveness of electromechanical systems engineering enterprises and fostering sustainable economic development. The study's contributions to the literature and its practical relevance make it a valuable resource for academic and industry audiences alike. innovation efficiency positioning environment 28 Moscow Russia decisionmakers decision makers position policymakers practitioners development studys s alike 2

Resumen Se estudia el emprendimiento y la reintegración de personas colombianas que migraron a Venezuela hacia el año 2000 y fueron deportadas a Colombia en 2015 por el gobierno venezolano. Se investiga hasta qué punto sus movilidades espaciales transfronterizas y sus redes sociales contribuyen al avance de sus microemprendimientos, y cómo el contexto geopolítico influye en su reintegración socioeconómica. La metodología comprende la observación etnográfica multisituada, las entrevistas biográficas, los mapas mentales y los talleres participativos Minga realizados con 18 individuos. Se concluye que, pese a su notable resiliencia, las personas en retorno y sus emprendimientos se enfrentan a una precariedad constante debido a la falta de apoyo estatal, los conflictos geopolíticos prevalentes, la débil economía local y el trauma de la deportación. Así mismo, buscando mejorar su reintegración socioeconómica, los migrantes que retornan efectúan estrategias de movilidad transfronteriza para aprovechar las oportunidades ofrecidas por diferentes lugares en Colombia y Venezuela.

Abstract This paper explores the entrepreneurship and reintegration of Colombians who migrated to Venezuela around 2000 and were arbitrarily deported to Colombia in 2015 by the Venezuelan government. It asks to what extent their cross-border spatial mobilities and social networks help develop their microenterprises and how the geopolitical context influences their socioeconomic reintegration. The methodology includes multi-sited ethnographic observation, biographical interviews, mental maps, and participatory Minga workshops carried out with 18 individuals. It is concluded that, despite their remarkable resilience, these individuals and their business ventures face constant precarity due to a lack of state support, prevalent geopolitical conflicts, a weak local economy, and the trauma of deportation. At the same time, in an attempt to improve their socioeconomic reintegration, returning migrants deploy cross-border mobility strategies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by different localities in Colombia and Venezuela.

Abstract Considering the changes and uncertainties of the current environment that affect management in organizations, the use of qualitative methods in business research facilitates the study of organizational phenomena from a different perspective while acknowledging their complexity. The objective of this special issue is to offer greater exposure to empirical studies that thoroughly employ qualitative methods to solving business and management problems. We have attempted to showcase how diverse qualitative methodologies, from classic case-based strategies to more novel ones such as action research, provide new visions for approaching the study of organizational realities. Also, we have briefly reflected on the application of new tools as visual techniques or AI to business and management research. Therefore, this special issue offers five papers that, from different methodological perspectives and content, seek to contribute to this objective. We hope that this special issue represents a significant advancement in the visibility and appreciation of qualitative methods within the field of business and management research.

Resumen Considerando los cambios e incertidumbres del entorno actual que afectan a la dirección de las organizaciones, la utilización de métodos cualitativos en la investigación relacionada con la empresa permite estudiar este fenómeno desde una perspectiva diferente y en toda su complejidad. En este sentido, el objetivo de este número especial ha sido ofrecer una mayor exposición de los estudios empíricos que emplean con profundidad los métodos cualitativos para resolver problemas de investigación en el campo de los negocios y la dirección de empresas. Hemos tratado de mostrar cómo diversas metodologías cualitativas, desde estrategias clásicas como los estudios de casos hasta más novedosas como la investigación acción, aportan nuevas visiones sobre cómo abordar el estudio de realidades organizativas. También, hemos hecho una breve reflexión sobre la aplicación de nuevas herramientas como las técnicas visuales o la IA a la investigación en el área de los negocios y la dirección de la empresa. Así, este número especial ofrece cinco artículos que, desde diferentes perspectivas metodológicas y contenidos, tratan de contribuir a este objetivo. Esperamos que este número especial represente un avance significativo en la visibilidad y valoración de los métodos cualitativos dentro del campo de la investigación de los negocios y la dirección de la empresa.

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene como objetivo verificar cómo ha sido la implementación de conceptos básicos sobre las metas establecidas al 2030 y cómo los estudiantes de barrios de la periferia de Río de Janeiro están construyendo su propia percepción sobre los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). El artículo es necesario dado que la responsabilidad social y la ética empresarial se basan en una educación alineada con la sostenibilidad. Este estudio es de naturaleza exploratoria y cualitativa. El estudio mostró un alineamiento respecto a la necesidad de repensar las estrategias de enseñanza para trabajar el tema en el aula. Al comparar el desarrollo de los estudiantes de barrios dentro de una misma ciudad, queda claro que los de esta región están menos afectados, dada esta descontextualización de los ODS con la vida de los estudiantes. Es necesario monitorear la construcción de la ciencia sobre este tema urgente. Se concluye que los ODS deben ser debatidos con mayor regularidad en las escuelas para mejorar e incluso incentivar a los docentes a involucrarse con los objetivos, además de incluirse en el currículo escolar de manera integrada con otros agentes sociales, preferiblemente con el apoyo de personas comprometidas. programas para lograr los objetivos de la agenda 2030.

ABSTRACT This study aims to verify how the implementation of basic concepts about the goals established by 2030 has been and how students from neighborhoods on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro are building their own perception of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article is necessary given that social responsibility and business ethics are based on education aligned with sustainability. This study is exploratory and qualitative in nature. The study showed an alignment regarding the need to rethink teaching strategies to work on the topic in the classroom. When comparing the development of students from neighborhoods within the same city, it is clear that those from this region are less touched, given this decontextualization of the SDGs with the lives of students. It is necessary to monitor the construction of science on this urgent topic. It is concluded that the SDGs must be debated more regularly in schools to improve and even encourage teachers to get involved with the goals, in addition to being included in the school curriculum in an integrated way with other social agents, preferably with the support of committed programs in achieving the goals of the 2030 agenda.

RESUMO Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar como tem sido a implementação de conceitos básicos sobre as metas estabelecidas até 2030 e como os alunos de um bairro da periferia do Rio de Janeiro estão construindo sua própria percepção dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). O artigo se faz necessário dado que a responsabilidade social e ética empresarial estão alicerçadas por uma educação alinhada ao olhar da sustentabilidade. Esse estudo é exploratório e de natureza qualitativa. O estudo evidenciou um alinhamento quanto à necessidade de repensar estratégias didáticas para trabalhar a temática na sala de aula. Ao comparar o conhecimento acerca dos ODS dos alunos de diferentes bairros dentro da mesma cidade, percebe-se que os mais afastados do centro estão menos emergentes, dada essa descontextualização dos ODS com a vida dos discentes. É necessário um maior debate dentro e fora das salas de aula, para uma construção da ciência acerca dos ODS, cuja temática é urgente. Conclui-se que os ODS devem ser debatidos com mais regularidade nas escolas para sanar e até incentivar os docentes a se envolverem com as metas, além de inseridos no currículo escolar de forma integrada a outros agentes sociais, de preferência com o apoio de programas compromissados em atingir as metas da agenda 2030.

Resumen: El comercio electrónico del sector de la moda ha aumentado en los últimos años en Latinoamérica, especialmente a raíz de la pandemia, sin embargo, todavía existen problemas en la aceptación de este canal de compra. La presente investigación se centra en algunos factores que podrían influir en la intención de compra y tiene como objetivos comprobar cómo en ella influyen la confianza, los riesgos percibidos, los costos y la conveniencia. Para esto, se suministró un cuestionario a 223 estudiantes de cuatro universidades del Ecuador. Para el análisis de los datos obtenidos se desarrolló un modelo PLS-SEM, en el cual la confianza en el vendedor actúa como variable mediadora en la relación entre los otros tres factores y la intención de compra. Los resultados muestran que dicho modelo tiene un aceptable poder predictivo y explicativo. Asimismo, se comprueba que los riesgos, la conveniencia y la confianza afectan significativamente a la intención de compra, pero no los costos. Además, la confianza mediaría la relación entre las tres variables y la intención de compra en línea. Se concluye que el modelo propuesto puede servir de base para estudios similares y, a su vez, se considera que los resultados obtenidos pueden ser utilizados por las empresas en el sector de la moda que quieren vender a través de plataformas de e-Commerce para el desarrollo de estrategias de marketing.

Abstract: E-commerce in the fashion sector has increased in recent years in Latin America, especially in the wake of the pandemic, however, there are still issues in the acceptance of this shopping channel. The present research focuses on some factors that could influence purchase intention and aims to test how it is influenced by trust, perceived risks, costs and convenience. For this purpose, a questionnaire was given to 223 students from four universities in Ecuador. A PLS-SEM model was developed for the analysis of the data, in which trust in the seller has a mediating role in the relationship between the other three factors and purchase intention. Results show that this model has acceptable predictive and explanatory power. Likewise, it validates that risks, convenience and trust significantly affect intention, but not costs. In addition, trust would mediate the relationship between the other variables and online shopping intention. It is concluded that the proposed model can serve as a basis for similar studies, and, at the same time, it is considered that the results obtained can be used by business in the fashion sector that pursue to sell through e-commerce platforms for marketing strategies development.

Abstract Introduction/Frame: Trust is foundational to qualitative research and program evaluation to ensure that data collection, data analysis, and actionable recommendations improve programs and produce effective outcomes. Concomitantly, building trust between the university and community sectors offers a rich opportunity to join efforts to address public health issues including substance use, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, and mental illness. Research suggests cross-sector collaboration among human services organizations produces effective outcomes when stakeholders are engaged, trust one another, and have shared goals. Developing qualitative program evaluation partnerships between university researchers and human service organizations offers a valuable application of cross-sector collaboration, including the transferability of qualitative research and program evaluation findings. Objective: This conceptual paper aims to highlight the essentiality of trust, summarize the facilitators and barriers of collaboration, and share a case example of a partnership. Additionally, it offers implications for researchers and community partners while outlining the benefits of university/community collaboration. Finally, we will offer a conceptual model of the iterative relationship between trustworthiness, trust, and impact in our evaluation approach. Theoretical Framework: Our approach to community-focused qualitative program evaluation is anchored in an action research paradigm, a use evaluation approach, coupled with trust as the key factor in developing and maintaining effective evaluative relationships. The Impact of Trust: Three areas in which trust is most beneficial to qualitative program evaluation are relationships, data collection, and transferability of results. Conceptual Model: Our model is grounded in three seminal works focusing on trust in business-business relationships, organizational trustworthiness as a mediator to both cognitive and affective trust, and relationship stability in inter-organizational reliance. Final Considerations: We found that using this model allowed quicker research-to-practice implementation of evaluation recommendations, solidified community/university collaborative relationships, and facilitated strategies to address workforce shortages in community human services agencies.

Resumen El presente estudio examina la forma en que algunas empresas responden al daño reputacional causado por una crisis. A través del análisis cualitativo de una compañía colombiana de medicina natural enfrentando un evento disruptivo que amenazaba su producto insignia y negocio, el estudio de caso explora la respuesta de la empresa ante sospechas mediáticas de manipulación de un producto fitoterapéutico. Los hallazgos revelan inconsistencias significativas en las respuestas organizacionales de la empresa, así como las repercusiones de dichas inconsistencias en los stakeholders y la industria. Este estudio arroja luz sobre el uso estratégico de respuestas desvinculadas de la realidad en escenarios de crisis para proteger la reputación. Además, destaca que la empresa analizada se apartó de las estrategias establecidas en teoría para la gestión de crisis. La empresa no empleó la estrategia consistente en ‘tomar la iniciativa’ al no revelar proactivamente la crisis. Además, priorizó respuestas instrumentales sobre consideraciones normativas o éticas. El análisis de las desviaciones identificadas de los principios establecidos de gestión de crisis resalta aún más la importancia de los hallazgos de este trabajo y sus implicaciones teóricas y prácticas para el desarrollo de estrategias de comunicación de crisis más efectivas basadas en la búsqueda de la verdad.

Abstract This study examines how businesses respond to reputational damage caused by reputation crises. Drawing on the qualitative analysis of a Colombian natural medicine company facing a disruptive event that threatened its flagship product and business, the case study explores the company’s response to media suspicions of tampering with a phytotherapeutic product. The findings reveal significant inconsistencies in the firm’s organizational responses and their repercussions on stakeholders and the industry. This study sheds light on the strategic use of responses detached from reality in crisis scenarios to protect reputation. In addition, the study highlights that the analyzed company deviated from established crisis management strategies outlined in theory. The company did not implement the ‘steal the thunder’ approach, as it failed to proactively disclose the crisis. Moreover, the company prioritized instrumental responses over normative or ethical considerations. The analysis of the identified deviations from established crisis management principles further emphasizes the importance of the work’s findings and their theoretical and practical implications for developing more effective crisis communication strategies grounded in truth-seeking.

Resumen Este documento examina la relación entre los consejos de administración y los modos de entrada al mercado internacional. El consejo de administración tiene la autoridad para determinar las estrategias de internacionalización tanto para grandes multinacionales como para organizaciones pequeñas y medianas. Los marcos teóricos en internacionalización proporcionan una base sólida para comprender la dinámica de los modos de entrada y la gobernanza corporativa. El estudio presenta un marco bien organizado que consta de cuatro ejes temáticos: características, capacidades, comportamiento y composición del consejo. Este marco se utiliza para analizar las complejidades de los procesos de toma de decisiones del consejo. Aunque se reconocen sus limitaciones, este estudio ofrece hallazgos prácticos para los gerentes de negocios y contribuye a la discusión teórica actual, resaltando la necesidad de marcos más profundos que tengan en cuenta factores psicológicos y culturales en la toma de decisiones del consejo en el contexto del desarrollo internacional.

Abstract This study explores the relationship between administrative advice and international market entry modes. The board of directors has the authority to determine internationalization strategies for both large multinational corporations and small and medium-sized organizations. Existing theoretical frameworks dealing with internationalization provide a strong foundation for understanding the dynamics of entry modes and corporate governance. The study presents a framework consisting of four thematic elements: characteristics, capabilities, behavior, and composition of the advice. This framework is utilized to analyze the complexities of the decision-making processes of boards. Despite acknowledging its limitations, this study provides practical insights for business managers and contributes to the ongoing theoretical debate on this topic, highlighting the need for more comprehensive frameworks that consider psychological and cultural factors in the decision-making process of boards in the context of international business.

ABSTRACT As a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, a set of modifications were implemented in the way it was taught. Higher education institutions in Chile were not immune to this phenomenon, and to this scenario was added a set of trends that had already been raising the need to review didactics, in terms of what and how it is taught. Different initiatives led to the development and implementation of didactic strategies that sought to solve the challenges faced by the educational system. Even though innumerable articles referring to the implementation of these didactic innovations have appeared, the evidence regarding the impact of their adaptations remains scarce. The objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of the use of the Case Method on the academic performance of the students of the calculus subject of the Business Administration Engineering degree at a Chilean higher education institution in an online context. through a difference-in-differences model using control groups generated with the Propensity Score Matching technique. The results show a positive and statistically significant effect on student grades.

RESUMEN Producto de la pandemia de COVID 19 se implementaron un conjunto de modificaciones en la forma cómo se enseñaba. Las instituciones de educación superior en Chile no estuvieron ajenas a ese fenómeno, y a este escenario se sumó un conjunto de tendencias que ya venían planteando la necesidad de revisar la didáctica, en cuánto al qué y al cómo se enseña. Diferentes iniciativas llevaron al desarrollo e implementación de estrategias didácticas que buscaron resolver los desafíos que enfrentaba el sistema educativo. Aun cuando han surgido innumerables artículos referidos a la implementación de estas innovaciones didácticas, la evidencia respecto del impacto de sus adaptaciones permanece escasa. El objetivo de la presente investigación es evaluar el impacto del uso del Método del Caso en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de los estudiantes de la asignatura de cálculo de la carrera Ingeniería en Administración de Empresas de una institución de educación superior chilena en un contexto online mediante un modelo de diferencias en diferencias usando grupos de control generados con la técnica de Propensity Score Matching. Los resultados muestran un efecto positivo y estadísticamente significativo en las calificaciones de los estudiantes.

Abstract This article explores the impact of the gastronomic boom on gentrification processes in Lima, Peru, during the last two decades. It is an ethnographic study conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2016 in the Santa Cruz housing development, which used to be a working-class neighborhood located in the Miraflores district. The central focus is the analysis of the personal narratives of change and belonging of residents, workers, and visitors, supported by photographic practice. In particular, it is based on the experience of Carlos, a young actor who after living several years in London returns to Peru to start a business and, taking advantage of competitive prices in Santa Cruz, opens a gourmet bakery in the neighborhood. Using the notion of “cosmopolitan imagination,” we show the different ways in which Carlos recontextualizes his experience in London in the specificity of La Mar, negotiating the limits, meanings and values of the places, people, and cultural practices that arise from inhabiting this space of change. Ultimately, Carlos’s bakery becomes a meeting point for linking or negotiating different strategies and experiences of belonging to the area, materializing power dynamics that emerge inside and outside the business, thus shaping the commodification of Santa Cruz.

Resumen En el presente artículo se explora el impacto del auge gastronómico en los procesos de gentrificación en Lima, Perú, durante las últimas dos décadas. Se trata de una investigación etnográfica realizada en 2012, 2014 y 2016 en la urbanización de Santa Cruz, que solía ser un barrio obrero ubicado en el distrito Miraflores. El enfoque central es el análisis de las narrativas personales de cambio y pertenencia de las personas residentes, trabajadoras y visitantes de la zona, apoyado en la práctica fotográfica. Se basa en la experiencia de Carlos, un joven actor que después de vivir varios años en Londres regresa al Perú para emprender y tomando ventaja de los precios competitivos en Santa Cruz, abre una panadería gourmet en el barrio. A partir de la idea de “imaginación cosmopolita”, se muestran las distintas formas en las que Carlos recontextualiza su experiencia en Londres en la especificidad de La Mar, negociando los límites, significados y valores de los lugares, personas y prácticas culturales que surgen al habitar este espacio de cambio. Finalmente, la panadería de Carlos se transforma en un punto de encuentro para vincular o negociar distintas estrategias y experiencias de pertenencia a la zona, materializando dinámicas de poder que emergen dentro y fuera del negocio, marcando así la mercantilización de Santa Cruz.

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation. SIGNIFICANCE: • Drivers and consequences of food consumption changes in South Africa were modelled and broad food consumption trends between 1994 and 2009/2012 were identified. • For the first time, the Access to Nutrition Index methodology was applied to South African owned food companies to identify strategies to enhance nutrition practices. Companies need to do more to deliver affordable and accessible products. • Drivers and barriers in adopting advanced food science and technology were modelled. A collective ecosystem approach with industry, academia and government mobilisation around critical areas like hunger, malnutrition and poverty could be a way to tackle the failing food system.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic caused the stoppage of the movement of people globally, a situation that especially affected tourism as an economic activity. This article addresses the impact of the closure of the Peruvian-Chilean border during the COVID-19 pandemic on the hotel and gastronomic sector of Tacna. Through a qualitative methodology that included a bibliographic review, economic data analysis, and semi-structured interviews with hotel and restaurant owners and managers, we investigated the problems they had to face during the pandemic and the strategies to overcome them. The findings indicate that until March 2020 both items experienced strong growth within the framework of cross-border practices from Chileans to Tacna, within which enjoying Peruvian food was one of the main attractions. The pandemic forced small hotels and restaurants to deploy strategies such as layoffs and the provision of family labor to overcome the crisis and convert to delivery food. The largest and most formalized companies accessed subsidies and support from the state and in other cases, the reconversion was hand in hand with agreements with mining companies to house workers while the health emergency lasted.

Resumen La pandemia de COVID-19 produjo la detención de los desplazamientos de personas a nivel global, situación que afectó especialmente al turismo como actividad económica. Este artículo aborda el impacto que produjo el cierre de la frontera peruano-chilena durante la pandemia de COVID-19, en el rubro hotelero y gastronómico de Tacna. A través de una metodología cualitativa que incluyó revisión bibliográfica, análisis de datos económicos y entrevistas semiestructuradas a dueños y administradores de hoteles y restaurantes, indagamos los problemas que debieron afrontar durante la pandemia y las estrategias para superarlos. Los hallazgos indican que hasta marzo del 2020, ambos rubros experimentaron un fuerte crecimiento en el marco de prácticas transfronterizas de chilenos a Tacna, dentro de los cuales, disfrutar de la comida peruana era uno de los principales atractivos. La pandemia obligó a los hoteles y restaurantes pequeños a desplegar estrategias como el despido y la provisión de mano de obra familiar para superar la crisis y reconvertirse a la comida por entregas o delivery. Las empresas más grandes y con mayor formalización accedieron a subsidios y apoyos del Estado y en otros casos, la reconversión fue de la mano de convenios con empresas mineras para alojar a trabajadores mientras duró la emergencia sanitaria.

ABSTRACT Public procurement is crucial for the proper functioning of a country, but unfortunately, it can face problems that undermine its efficiency and transparency. For this reason, this research analyzes the top 23 companies that sold over $2.21 billion to the Ecuadorian government between 2015 and 2020. A descriptive methodology and a quantitative approach were used to classify the companies based on their origin, economic activity, and financial situation. The results reveal that 67% of these companies are of Ecuadorian origin. In terms of their financial situation, although they have a strong liquidity position, financing expenses completely dilute their profits, resulting in a negative net profit margin. This finding suggests the need to establish public policies that promote the diversification of economic sectors and the implementation of effective financial management strategies in contracting companies to improve their profitability and long-term financial sustainability.

RESUMEN La contratación pública es crucial para el buen funcionamiento de un país, pero desafortunadamente puede enfrentar problemas que perjudican su eficiencia y transparencia. Por este motivo, esta investigación analiza las 23 principales empresas que entre 2015 y 2020 vendieron más de 2.21 mil millones de dólares con el Estado ecuatoriano. Se utilizó una metodología descriptiva y un enfoque cuantitativo para clasificar a las empresas según su origen, actividad económica y situación financiera. Los resultados revelan que el 67% de estas empresas son de origen ecuatoriano. En cuanto a su situación financiera, aunque tienen una posición sólida en términos de liquidez, los gastos del financiamiento diluyen en su totalidad las utilidades, generando una rentabilidad neta de ventas negativa. Este hallazgo sugiere la necesidad de establecer políticas públicas que promuevan la diversificación de los sectores económicos y la implementación de estrategias de gestión financiera efectivas en las empresas contratistas para mejorar su rentabilidad y sostenibilidad financiera en el largo plazo.

Abstract The role of women is particularly relevant for the economic and social development in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the situation of eleven women entrepreneurs living in rural areas in the Southern part of the state of Jalisco, with the hope of promoting the entrepreneurship in these regions. For this purpose, two case studies were carried out using different qualitative techniques for data collection: documentary analysis, in-depth interviews and participant observation. The socio-demographic profile, the family situation, the level of education, the strategies for reconciling family and work, the characteristics of the production and/or business, the needs they had as women entrepreneurs, and the skills they had for such work, were the main variables analyzed by a data triangulation. The results show that, despite their poor educational level and low involvement in the labor market, rural women in Southern Jalisco acquired entrepreneurial abilities through observation and family experience. However, they lack other factors necessary to engage in the labor market. They themselves gave the keys to fostering rural women’s entrepreneurship in the community.

Resumen El papel de la mujer es especialmente relevante para el desarrollo económico y social del medio rural. El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar la situación de las mujeres emprendedoras de dos comunidades rurales de la zona sur del estado de Jalisco con la esperanza de fomentar el emprendimiento en el medio rural. Para ello, se llevaron a cabo dos estudios de caso a través del uso de diferentes técnicas de naturaleza cualitativa para la recogida de los datos: análisis documental, entrevistas en profundidad y observación participante. Mediante la triangulación de los datos obtenidos, las variables analizadas fueron principalmente el perfil sociodemográfico, la situación familiar, el nivel educativo, las estrategias de conciliación familiar y laboral, las características de la producción y/o empresa, las necesidades que tenían como mujeres emprendedoras y las habilidades que presentaban para tal labor. Los datos obtenidos muestran que, a pesar de su bajo nivel educativo y su baja participación en el mercado laboral, las mujeres rurales del sur de Jalisco presentan habilidades emprendedoras adquiridas a través de la observación y la experiencia familiar, pero carecen de otros factores necesarios para emprender. Ellas mismas dieron las claves para fomentar el emprendimiento de las mujeres rurales de la comunidad.