3.5
Comparative Analysis of the Models
Considering the criteria of comparability, applicability, external validity, and scalability, this section compares the available models to assess the bioeconomy’s
contribution to the Ecuadorian GDP. The first consists of the structure of a model
that allows for the comparison of scenarios and policy implementation alternatives,
in order to obtain a broader response to the implications of the bioeconomy. With
respect to applicability, the following are considered: criteria of information availability, reality of the productive structure, and availability of natural and economic
resources. In other words, the model should prioritize the validity of the results,
considering the existing limitations in its development.
In terms of external validity and scalability, there is a need to structure a model
whose results can be generalized to different populations, whether at a local or
regional level, and whose methodology can be replicated in different economies or
with characteristics similar to those of Ecuador. In this context, it should be noted
that the System of National Accounts and the Social Accounting Matrix are
standardized information in several countries, which allows for external validation
of the results obtained. The scalability is related to the technical and process
engineering aspects. An analysis in this regard will conclude up to what levels the
system could be expanded or adapted, while maintaining or increasing the growth
levels.
In addition, apart from the main criteria, the authors argue there is a need to
include a criterion of easiness by users or readers of the present study. In other
words, it is important that electronic tools are available for users to, by means of the
methodological sheets, evaluate different scenarios or alternative analyses to those
presented in this study.
Without a doubt, the use of the social accounting matrix has been historically and
widely disseminated in several economies, as it is a tool that effectively reflects the
socio-economic characteristics of countries. However, this study will refer to the
locally developed SAM model, which is based on Ecuador’s system of national
accounts. The use of this model would imply a high applicability since it considers
all conditions of the Ecuadorian system. As a counterpoint, it would be of low
comparability and external validity because it is restricted to the country’s
characteristics, and not necessarily to local or regional characteristics. As a consequence of the contemporaneity of the model, it is probable that there are few studies
or applications based on it, implying a medium scalability, since it has few
references to the economic-technological relations with the aspects of process
engineering.
On the other hand, IOM and GEM models would have better scalability, based on
previous experiences and applications presented earlier, as is the case with the
development of IOM for specific provinces. The previous studies contributed to
the development of economic-technological parameters that would allow the extrapolation and evaluation of the conditions of the bioeconomy. Considering the higher
level of mathematical complexity and specific information involved in the
3 Social and Economic Contribution of the Bioeconomic Sector in Ecuador: A. . .
49
Comparative Analysis of the Models
Considering the criteria of comparability, applicability, external validity, and scalability, this section compares the available models to assess the bioeconomy’s
contribution to the Ecuadorian GDP. The first consists of the structure of a model
that allows for the comparison of scenarios and policy implementation alternatives,
in order to obtain a broader response to the implications of the bioeconomy. With
respect to applicability, the following are considered: criteria of information availability, reality of the productive structure, and availability of natural and economic
resources. In other words, the model should prioritize the validity of the results,
considering the existing limitations in its development.
In terms of external validity and scalability, there is a need to structure a model
whose results can be generalized to different populations, whether at a local or
regional level, and whose methodology can be replicated in different economies or
with characteristics similar to those of Ecuador. In this context, it should be noted
that the System of National Accounts and the Social Accounting Matrix are
standardized information in several countries, which allows for external validation
of the results obtained. The scalability is related to the technical and process
engineering aspects. An analysis in this regard will conclude up to what levels the
system could be expanded or adapted, while maintaining or increasing the growth
levels.
In addition, apart from the main criteria, the authors argue there is a need to
include a criterion of easiness by users or readers of the present study. In other
words, it is important that electronic tools are available for users to, by means of the
methodological sheets, evaluate different scenarios or alternative analyses to those
presented in this study.
Without a doubt, the use of the social accounting matrix has been historically and
widely disseminated in several economies, as it is a tool that effectively reflects the
socio-economic characteristics of countries. However, this study will refer to the
locally developed SAM model, which is based on Ecuador’s system of national
accounts. The use of this model would imply a high applicability since it considers
all conditions of the Ecuadorian system. As a counterpoint, it would be of low
comparability and external validity because it is restricted to the country’s
characteristics, and not necessarily to local or regional characteristics. As a consequence of the contemporaneity of the model, it is probable that there are few studies
or applications based on it, implying a medium scalability, since it has few
references to the economic-technological relations with the aspects of process
engineering.
On the other hand, IOM and GEM models would have better scalability, based on
previous experiences and applications presented earlier, as is the case with the
development of IOM for specific provinces. The previous studies contributed to
the development of economic-technological parameters that would allow the extrapolation and evaluation of the conditions of the bioeconomy. Considering the higher
level of mathematical complexity and specific information involved in the
3 Social and Economic Contribution of the Bioeconomic Sector in Ecuador: A. . .
49