HighlightsWe use the spatial panel regression model to estimate the land Kuznets curve.We examine spatial auto-correlations in the building permits in Ecuador.A Bayesian selection method allows selecting the right spatial model and weight matrix.Economic development has a U-shape relationship with land use.Spatial spillover effects have a limited extent and affect only closest neighbours.

La hipótesis de la convergencia condicional en Ecuador: un análisis a nivel cantonalThe conditional convergence hypothesis in Ecuador: a cantonal level analysis Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio es contrastar la hipótesis de convergencia relativa en el Ecuador a nivel cantonal, considerando un conjunto de variables explicativas. Siguiendo a Barro y Sala-i-Martin (1991) se estima un modelo de mínimos cuadrados no lineales (MCNL) utilizando datos transversales entre 2007 y 2012. Los principales hallazgos indican una tasa de convergencia absoluta del 1,37% anual entre municipios. Con los factores condicionantes (índice de analfabetismo, porcentaje de viviendas con red eléctrica, número promedio de hijos, producción agrícola, producción manufacturera y remesas como porcentaje del valor agregado bruto cantonal) la velocidad de convergencia se reduce al 1,12% anual, indicando que diferencias en estas variables explicarían en buena parte la lenta convergencia territorial en Ecuador. Palabras claveConvergencia absoluta; convergencia relativa; desarrollo regional; Ecuador. AbstractThe aim of this study is to test the relative convergence hypothesis in Ecuador at cantonal level, considering a set of explanatory variables. Following Barro and Sala-i-Martin (1991), a model of nonlinear least squares (NLMS) is estimated using cross-sectional data from 2007 to 2012. The main findings indicate absolute convergence rate of 1,37% per annum between municipalities. With the conditioning factors (illiteracy rate, percentage of households with electricity grid, the average number of children, agricultural production, manufacturing and remittances as a percentage of cantonal gross value added) the convergence rate is reduced to 1,12% annually, indicating that differences in these variables explain a considerable part of the slow territorial convergence in Ecuador. KeywordsAbsolute convergence; relative convergence; regional development; Ecuador.Forma sugerida de citar: Forma sugerida de citar: Mendieta Muñoz, Rodrigo (2015). La hipótesis de la convergencia condicional en Ecuador. Un análisis a nivel cantonal. Revista Retos, 9(1), pp. 13-25 La hipótesis de la convergencia condicional en Ecuador: un análisis a nivel cantonalRetos V (9): 2015. © 2015, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana del Ecuador La hipótesis de la convergencia condicional en Ecuador: un análisis a nivel cantonalRetos V (9): 2015.

This article shows that the threshold model appropriately analysed can explain the emigration process as a consequence of the network features, where the willingness to emigrate depends on the personal and household conditions borne by the emigrant. In such a case, the emigration process can be defined in terms of a Pólya schema, and the emigration rate converges almost surely to a random variable with a beta distribution, which fully characterizes the network (assimilation, integration, separation or marginalization). The model is applied to Ecuador, which has experienced an unprecedented wave of emigration since 1998. We show that, despite the massive exodus, the process does not constitute a diaspora, because Ecuadorians do not interact appropriately with natives.

This article analyses the temporary and permanent effects of remittances on subnational economic growth in Ecuador. We find that both effects are statistically significant. However, while the size of first is negligible, the magnitude of the permanent effect is inversely related to the stage of development. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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