Relación entre el nivel socioeconómico y la demanda de tecnologías de última generación en Machala: implicaciones sobre la importación tecnológica local

Abstract

The research titled ""Relationship between socioeconomic level and the demand for next-generation technologies in Machala: implications for local technological importation"" analyzes the impact of economic and educational inequality on technology acquisition in the rural area of Machala, Ecuador. The study, which used a mixed, quantitative, and qualitative approach, surveyed 374 residents and interviewed 10 technology merchants between January and June 2025.The quantitative results showed that 67% of those surveyed have a monthly income of $450 or less, and 82% have not completed higher education, which restricts their ability to purchase technology. A strong positive correlation was found between income and the number of devices acquired (r=0.62). The qualitative results from the merchant interviews confirm that the low demand for high-end technology has led businesses to import more economical or refurbished products, limiting their growth.In conclusion, the research demonstrates that socioeconomic inequality in Machala limits access to next-generation technologies, which in turn has a negative impact on the growth of the local technology import business. Strategies such as digital inclusion programs, microcredits for technology, and support for local merchants are proposed to mitigate the digital divide.