Relación de la inseguridad ciudadana y la economía local en las pymes de la ciudad de pasaje-provincia de El Oro.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the interaction between citizen insecurity and its impact on local economic activity, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pasaje, located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. Crime is a latent concern in the population, exerting a direct effect on commercial activities and generating a crisis in public safety, which translates into a decrease in business confidence. The research approach is quantitative and descriptive, using surveys as the main data collection method. A total of 353 surveys were applied to SMEs in Pasaje with the purpose of understanding the relationship between insecurity and the local economy. The results obtained reveal a clear inverse relationship between insecurity and the economic performance of SMEs. Increased crime translates into economic losses and a reduction in the competitiveness of local businesses. The lack of security negatively impacts the region's economic growth and contributes to distrust of local authorities. This leads to a slowdown in Pasaje's economic development, affecting the general well-being of the community. It is important to note that the city has several tourist attractions, making it an important center for commercial activities. However, the increase in crime has generated uncertainty among both residents and tourists, affecting the flow of income and demand from local consumers.