Emprendimiento, innovación y desafíos tecnológicos en las PYMES ecuatorianas: análisis de su resiliencia ante crisis múltiples (2020–2024)

This study analyzes the current state of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ecuador based on the GEM 2024/2025 report. Through a descriptive statistical approach, five key dimensions were identified: sectoral concentration, employment generation capacity, internationalization, perception of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation in products and processes. The results show that most SMEs are concentrated in traditional low value-added sectors, with limited presence in knowledge-intensive industries. Although there is a growth in the number of businesses with 1-5 employees, scalability remains low. Likewise, the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI faces significant barriers due to cost, lack of technical capabilities and security concerns. Innovation is minimal, with less than 3% of companies developing new products or technologies. It is concluded that, despite the entrepreneurial dynamism, there is a need to restructure the entrepreneurial ecosystem through public policies that encourage digitalization, diversification and innovation.