Development problems: a modern quantitative look

Abstract

Today's society faces a series of challenges to achieve territorial development, promote a more equitable distribution of income and improve sustainability indicators. Volume nine in its number one, the authors discuss the development problems that require greater attention from those responsible for public policies. First, Torres, Carranza & Cruz (2021) raise the importance of unemployment in determining poverty levels in Guayaquil, where various social aspects of development require greater private and public emphasis. Economic progress must promote well-being and social cohesion. In the twenty-first century, the problems associated with child malnutrition, hunger or lack of opportunities cannot persist. Rivera-Vázquez, Olarte-Benavides, & Rivera-Vázquez (2021) point out that aspects of the home and the provision of public services can play a relevant role in the fight against child malnutrition in Loja. These efforts can be reinforced with continuous improvements in competitiveness through innovation (Turbay & Martinez, 2021). Development processes require a complementarity of the business sector, the public sector and individual effort. One of the most effective forms of state intervention for social welfare is through social policies aimed at promoting spatial and individual equality of the population. Vaca (2021) shows that the tax burden can have a significant impact on the way income is distributed.
The sustainability of the current development model has been questioned in multiple forums and academic debates. There is a perception that not enough is being done to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The orientation of production to maximize profits can have serious consequences, some of them irreversible. Armijos & Lozano (2021) highlight the impacts of foreign investment flows and financial development on polluting gas emissions. Both foreign investment and functional development can be useful in promoting environmental sustainability. Renewable energy sources and improvements in available knowledge can contribute to achieving a more harmonious development with nature. Lara & Iñiguez (2021) highlight the importance of the use of renewable energy and knowledge to boost the development of countries. The data suggest that the use of renewable energy can benefit economic progress and promote environmental sustainability (Caraguay & López-Sánchez, 2021). In parallel, environmental sustainability requires the commitment of households so that their consumption minimizes the negative effect on environmental quality (Minga, Guamán, & Torres-Ontaneda, 2021). You cannot think of achieving sustainable development without a firm commitment from households so that their consumption is responsible with the environment as part of the process of maximizing social well-being.
Finally, development problems are more visible in countries with a lack of opportunities. Human capital endowments are an old and new strategy to alleviate poverty and exclusion. Ordoñez (2021) indicates that inequality and the fertility rate have a long-term relationship in a large sample of countries. Finally, Méndez (2021) highlights the role of urbanization in promoting increasing returns and increasing production in developing country contexts. The efforts of the public and private sectors to combat development problems require a moderating role of the academic sector so that policies are better designed and production processes are more efficient. The possibility of achieving an inclusive society is possible with an adequate articulation academy-company-State.