PUBLIC POLICIES ORIENTED TO PROMOTE ECUADORIAN SMEs

The purpose of this work was to review Ecuadorian policies aimed at SMEs. Based on a documentary review, a content analysis was carried out, both of the current instruments and the implementation of the policy. Nine policy instruments were found (Constitution, national plans, laws) aimed at promoting SMEs, all of them general and not focused on specific sectors. Regarding execution, the investigations report weaknesses: Lack of information towards the recipient of the policy, likewise, lack of monitoring, evaluation and performance indicators that account for the effectiveness of the policy; lack of comprehensiveness in both financial and non-financial support (business development, technology) and bureaucratic complexity for the entrepreneur. It is concluded that it is a State policy, but it requires adjustments in the regulations to give it comprehensiveness and a strategic vision in management, with planning, monitoring, evaluation and indicators to be truly effective.