Luis Fierro

Blog article, also published in my column in "Diario El Universo" of Ecuador, on the potential impact of the EU CBAM on developing countries; the most affected countries; and what mitigating actions these countries might take.

Capítulo en el libro "Negociación Internacional en América Latina", editado por Dennis P. Petri.

Detalla la estrategia de negociación exitosa que adoptó una coalición de naciones latinoamericanas, la Asociación Independiente de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (AILAC), en el marco del Acuerdo de París de Cambio Climático.

Todas las prioridades, líneas rojas, e incluso “propuestas puente” formuladas por AILAC fueron consideradas en el Acuerdo y la Decisión que lo adoptó; los conceptos… Show more

Capítulo en el libro "Negociación Internacional en América Latina", editado por Dennis P. Petri.

Detalla la estrategia de negociación exitosa que adoptó una coalición de naciones latinoamericanas, la Asociación Independiente de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (AILAC), en el marco del Acuerdo de París de Cambio Climático.

Todas las prioridades, líneas rojas, e incluso “propuestas puente” formuladas por AILAC fueron consideradas en el Acuerdo y la Decisión que lo adoptó; los conceptos elaborados por AILAC fueron los aspectos medulares del “paquete” de financiamiento climático del Acuerdo.

De esta manera, AILAC logró una incidencia muy por encima de su peso en la economía mundial (medido por PIB, población o emisiones). Esto se logró dado el posicionamiento de AILAC como un grupo ambicioso de países en desarrollo, dispuesto a asumir compromisos de mitigación
y adaptación, y en capacidad de dialogar con los países desarrollados, al promover el concepto de que un Acuerdo ambicioso en reducción de emisiones, requería como contraparte compromisos adecuados de financiamiento climático por parte de los países desarrollados. Show less

The Report explores how the EC and the EU Member States respective development cooperation policy and climate strategies support the alignment of their external action to the Paris Agreement on climate change objectives (including the ‘Do No Harm’ principle, when available). The analysis aims to provide a better understanding of their ability to work towards enhanced standards, and to foster an EU harmonized approach to respond to increasing global calls to support and integrate climate action… Show more

The Report explores how the EC and the EU Member States respective development cooperation policy and climate strategies support the alignment of their external action to the Paris Agreement on climate change objectives (including the ‘Do No Harm’ principle, when available). The analysis aims to provide a better understanding of their ability to work towards enhanced standards, and to foster an EU harmonized approach to respond to increasing global calls to support and integrate climate action into development activities. Show less

Report prepared for the European Commission on the alignment of the main Multilateral Development Banks, and the largest Regional Development Banks, with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The report found that the MDBs with the most comprehensive climate change strategies were the following: African Development Bank (AfDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Group), and the World Bank Group. Unabated fossil fuels were… Show more

Report prepared for the European Commission on the alignment of the main Multilateral Development Banks, and the largest Regional Development Banks, with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The report found that the MDBs with the most comprehensive climate change strategies were the following: African Development Bank (AfDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Group), and the World Bank Group. Unabated fossil fuels were fully excluded at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Show less

Policy brief I wrote for the EU-LAC Foundation and the Institut des Amériques

While economic integration between the two regions has advanced, the EU-Mercosur agreement is still awaiting ratification.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the growing impacts of climate change have renewed the momentum behind the need for close cooperation between both regions.

As for climate change, the two regions have been closely aligned since the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was negotiated at… Show more

Policy brief I wrote for the EU-LAC Foundation and the Institut des Amériques

While economic integration between the two regions has advanced, the EU-Mercosur agreement is still awaiting ratification.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the growing impacts of climate change have renewed the momentum behind the need for close cooperation between both regions.

As for climate change, the two regions have been closely aligned since the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was negotiated at COP21 (December 2015). Europe has prioritised the ecological transition, the digital transformation and sustainable development in its regional and bilateral cooperation programmes, and the LAC countries are receptive to the means of implementation (climate finance, technology transfer and capacity development) to stimulate climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Regional Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) of the EU for LAC (2021-27) will support the green transition, the digital transformation, the sustainable and inclusive economy, democratic government, security and migration, as well as social cohesion and the fight against inequality. Human development and education will play a leading role in these areas.

Achieving greater growth, stability and security in the LAC countries makes their markets more attractive to EU companies, both for trade and for investment.

Also available in Spanish and French (https://eulacfoundation.org/en/relations-economiques-entre-lunion-europeenne-et-lamerique-latine-et-les-caraibes). Show less

Policy Brief que escribí para la Fundación EU-LAC y el Institut des Amériques.

La integración comercial entre las dos regiones ha avanzado, pero está pendiente de ratificación el acuerdo UE-Mercosur.

La pandemia de COVID-19 y los impactos crecientes del cambio climático han dado renovado ímpetu a la necesidad de colaboración estrecha entre las dos regiones.

En cuanto al cambio climático, las dos regiones han estado muy alineadas desde la negociación del Acuerdo de París de… Show more

Policy Brief que escribí para la Fundación EU-LAC y el Institut des Amériques.

La integración comercial entre las dos regiones ha avanzado, pero está pendiente de ratificación el acuerdo UE-Mercosur.

La pandemia de COVID-19 y los impactos crecientes del cambio climático han dado renovado ímpetu a la necesidad de colaboración estrecha entre las dos regiones.

En cuanto al cambio climático, las dos regiones han estado muy alineadas desde la negociación del Acuerdo de París de Cambio Climático en la COP21 (diciembre 2015). Europa ha dado prioridad a la transición ecológica, la transformación digital y el desarrollo sostenible en sus programas de cooperación regionales y bilaterales, y los países de ALC son receptivos a los medios de implementación (financiamiento climático, transferencia de tecnología y desarrollo de capacidades) para impulsar la mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático.

El Programa Indicativo Multianual (MIP) Regional de la UE para ALC (2021-27) apoyará la transición verde, la transformación digital, la economía sostenible e incluyente, la gobernanza democrática, la seguridad y la migración, así como la cohesión social y la lucha contra las desigualdades. El desarrollo humano y la educación ocuparán un lugar destacado dentro de estas áreas.

Alcanzar mayor crecimiento, estabilidad y seguridad en los países de ALC los vuelve mercados más atractivos para las empresas de la UE, tanto para fines comerciales como de inversión.

También disponible en inglés y francés (https://eulacfoundation.org/en/relations-economiques-entre-lunion-europeenne-et-lamerique-latine-et-les-caraibes). Show less

Updated presentation on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and Climate Finance, through November 2021 (Glasgow COP26).

Presentation given to the Course: Finance for the Common Good at the University of Dayton (Prof. Gabriela Vivero).

Table of Contents:

1. Context and Background

2. Climate Change

3. The Paris Agreement

4. National Mitigation and Adaptation Commitments

5. Climate Finance

6. Low Emission Development… Show more

Updated presentation on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and Climate Finance, through November 2021 (Glasgow COP26).

Presentation given to the Course: Finance for the Common Good at the University of Dayton (Prof. Gabriela Vivero).

Table of Contents:

1. Context and Background

2. Climate Change

3. The Paris Agreement

4. National Mitigation and Adaptation Commitments

5. Climate Finance

6. Low Emission Development Strategies

Includes Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LTS) and net-zero pledges made through November 12, 2021. Show less

La novela es una eco-distopía del posible futuro que enfrentará la humanidad, si no confronta las amenazas existenciales que se ciernen sobre ella en la actualidad: cambio climático, terrorismo, proliferación nuclear, pandemias e inteligencia artificial fuera de control.

Cubre el período de 1989 a 2064, y narra los crecientes riesgos que estos "jinetes del Apocalipsis" pueden provocar, si los gobiernos y las sociedades no son capaces de lidiar con la reducción de las emisiones de gases… Show more

La novela es una eco-distopía del posible futuro que enfrentará la humanidad, si no confronta las amenazas existenciales que se ciernen sobre ella en la actualidad: cambio climático, terrorismo, proliferación nuclear, pandemias e inteligencia artificial fuera de control.

Cubre el período de 1989 a 2064, y narra los crecientes riesgos que estos "jinetes del Apocalipsis" pueden provocar, si los gobiernos y las sociedades no son capaces de lidiar con la reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, evitar la proliferación nuclear, prevenir un conflicto más generalizado con los fundamentalistas yihadistas, y establecer controles éticos en el desarrollo de la inteligencia artificial.

Si bien algunos autores han identificado los riesgos de cada uno de estos factores, pocos han previsto cómo estas amenazas apocalípticas se alimentan y refuerzan entre sí. En cierto sentido, esta novela de ciencia ficción es un llamado a la acción. Show less

The novel is an eco-dystopia, of the possible future humanity will encounter if it does not confront the existential threats that it currently faces: climate change, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, pandemics, and artificial intelligence run amok. Covering the span from 1989 to 2064, it narrates the increasing risks that these "horsemen of the Apocalypse" may cause, if governments and societies are not able to grapple with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, avoiding nuclear proliferation… Show more

The novel is an eco-dystopia, of the possible future humanity will encounter if it does not confront the existential threats that it currently faces: climate change, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, pandemics, and artificial intelligence run amok. Covering the span from 1989 to 2064, it narrates the increasing risks that these "horsemen of the Apocalypse" may cause, if governments and societies are not able to grapple with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, avoiding nuclear proliferation, preventing a more widespread conflict with fundamentalist jihadists, and establishing some ethical controls in the development of artificial intelligence. While some authors have identified the risks in each of these factors, few have brought together how these apocalyptic strains feed and reinforce each other. In a sense, this science fiction novel is a call to action. Show less

Green Recovery and Climate Finance in Ecuador

Luis Fierro, Vice Minister of Economy

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

July 1, 2021

Presentation at the London Climate Action Week, panel organised by E3G

Includes:

- National Macroeconomic Context
- Advances in climate action and green economic recovery
- Climate Finance received by Ecuador
- Green recovery projects underway

El proceso de concentración y centralización del capital en el Ecuador no se detuvo durante la década de Gobierno de Rafael Correa pese a que se utilizó retórica como «socialismo del siglo XXI» y «revolución ciudadana». Por el contrario, se fortalecieron los grupos económicos, particularmente aquellos vinculados al mercado interno, la importación, y la construcción de infraestructura. Varios grupos tuvieron un apogeo, destacándose los grupos Wright (Favorita), Eljuri, Pronaca, KFC, Nobis e… Show more

El proceso de concentración y centralización del capital en el Ecuador no se detuvo durante la década de Gobierno de Rafael Correa pese a que se utilizó retórica como «socialismo del siglo XXI» y «revolución ciudadana». Por el contrario, se fortalecieron los grupos económicos, particularmente aquellos vinculados al mercado interno, la importación, y la construcción de infraestructura. Varios grupos tuvieron un apogeo, destacándose los grupos Wright (Favorita), Eljuri, Pronaca, KFC, Nobis e Hidalgo & Hidalgo. Los ingresos de los 27 principales grupos económicos aumentaron del 28,4 % del valor agregado bruto (VAB) del Ecuador en 2013 a 29,6 % en 2017. Show less

This publication is the result of a call for best practices in vocational education and training, organised by the EU-LAC Foundation and the EUROsociAL+ Programme of the European Union.

I participated in organising the call for best practices, the selection and the edition of the case studies.

The book presents 13 case studies from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union that show innovations in vocational education and training (VET). All the cases are characterised… Show more

This publication is the result of a call for best practices in vocational education and training, organised by the EU-LAC Foundation and the EUROsociAL+ Programme of the European Union.

I participated in organising the call for best practices, the selection and the edition of the case studies.

The book presents 13 case studies from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union that show innovations in vocational education and training (VET). All the cases are characterised by having set in motion trajectories aimed at linking the dimension of school knowledge and that of practical knowledge as a way to make work experience a guiding principle of curriculum development, which brings benefits in the training of young people by becoming more complete. The case studies show that the integration of training and work is an effective pedagogical method and, at the same time, a valid strategy to favor the access of young people to the labor market, as fosters insertion in the workplace.
Publicación de 13 buenas practicas en el campo de la educación y formación profesional, como resultado de una convocatoria de la Fundación EU-LAC y el Programa EUROSOCIAL+ de la Unión Europea.

Participe en la convocatoria de buenas practicas, su selección y edición.

El libro presenta 13 estudios de caso de América Latina, el Caribe y la Unión Europea que muestran diferentes innovaciones en el campo de la educación y formación profesional (EFP). Todos los casos se caracterizan por trayectorias dirigidas a vincular la dimensión del conocimiento escolar y la del conocimiento práctico como vía para hacer de la experiencia laboral un principio vertebrador del desarrollo curricular, lo cual reporta beneficios en la formación de los jóvenes al hacerse esta más completa. Los estudios de caso evidencian que la integración formación/trabajo es un método pedagógico eficaz y, al mismo tiempo, una válida estrategia para favorecer el acceso de los jóvenes al mercado laboral. Show less

I participated in editing this publication on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean

I edited this publication,

The EU-LAC Foundation presents a series of case studies of companies and institutions interested in making visible their best practices on the integration of concepts of Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the business strategies in the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

These case studies were selected from a Call made by the EU-LAC Foundation, with the support of InnovacionAL SpA, in which a… Show more

I edited this publication,

The EU-LAC Foundation presents a series of case studies of companies and institutions interested in making visible their best practices on the integration of concepts of Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the business strategies in the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

These case studies were selected from a Call made by the EU-LAC Foundation, with the support of InnovacionAL SpA, in which a total of 45 case studies were proposed.

The 16 selected as best practices are:

Circular Economy

Ananas Anam (UK)
Better Future Factory (Netherlands)
Closing the Loop (Netherlands)
Donar (Slovenia)
Technological Laboratory of Uruguay
Neptuno Pumps (Chile)
Pulpo SA (Argentina)

Sustainable Development Goals

Bagó (Chile)
Fundación FEMSA (Mexico / Multinational)
Iskraemeco (Slovenia)
Las Tacuaras (Paraguay)
LIPOR (Portugal)
Pacari Chocolates (Ecuador)
Produbanco (Ecuador)
Telefónica (Spain / Multinational)
Unilever (Argentina / Multinational)

These case studies are followed by two implementation guides, one for Circular Economy and another for the SDGs. Show less

EU-LAC Foundation publication with INFYDE S.L., which I contributed to and edited.

The document is the result of the “Competitiveness Poles” Project, promoted by the EU-LAC Foundation and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), whose objective is focused on fostering collaboration between clusters and territories of the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Although LAC countries have not implemented significant institutional initiatives to promote… Show more

EU-LAC Foundation publication with INFYDE S.L., which I contributed to and edited.

The document is the result of the “Competitiveness Poles” Project, promoted by the EU-LAC Foundation and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), whose objective is focused on fostering collaboration between clusters and territories of the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Although LAC countries have not implemented significant institutional initiatives to promote inter-cluster cooperation, it is possible to observe over the last few years that a number of diverse agreements of this type have been achieved. Many of these experiences have been promoted on the initiative of the same clusters and, in some cases, these initiatives emerged under the direct auspices of more or less structured public policies.

EU-LAC cooperation has been incorporating territorial development and cooperation between regions as a central theme, and there are several support programmes at that level. For its part, inter-cluster cooperation is growing within the EU and has important incentives for internationalisation. There is undoubtedly scope to think and design more effective mechanisms to promote inter-cluster cooperation between the EU and LAC. Show less

I participated in editing this publication, which presents 12 articles selected among those submitted to the Call launched by IFAIR (Young Initiative on Foreign Affairs and International Relations).

The initiative started off with a Call for Papers from IFAIR through the LACalytics initiative, directed to students, recently graduated researchers and young professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the European Union. The publication pursues to increase the… Show more

I participated in editing this publication, which presents 12 articles selected among those submitted to the Call launched by IFAIR (Young Initiative on Foreign Affairs and International Relations).

The initiative started off with a Call for Papers from IFAIR through the LACalytics initiative, directed to students, recently graduated researchers and young professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the European Union. The publication pursues to increase the understanding between the two regions and to raise young people’s impact on foreign policy-making.

The call for the second edition of LACalytics was quite successful: over 260 applications were received from 40 countries – an increase of 30% compared to the first LACalytics call.

44 applicants from 16 countries (10 LAC and 6 EU) were selected as authors of LACalytics 2018 and were matched in bi-regional pairs. The focus of the project this year was on strengthening bi-regional cooperation through the identification of experiences and issues that both regions deal with, and how they have approached them.

The articles cover five thematic fields: economics; politics; environment; civil society and culture; and science, technology and innovation.

The 12 best articles were selected, and appear in the second edition of LACalytics 2018.

The publication is available in English and Spanish. Show less

I participated in editing this publication on financing the energy transition in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The study, developed as part of the Open Call for Research of the EU-LAC Foundation, was written by a group of authors that includes: Miguel Vazquez, Michelle Hallack, Gustavo Andreão, Alberto Tomelin, Felipe Botelho, Yannick Perez and Matteo di Castelnuovo.

The transition to more sustainable energy systems has a variety of relevant implications for the… Show more

I participated in editing this publication on financing the energy transition in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The study, developed as part of the Open Call for Research of the EU-LAC Foundation, was written by a group of authors that includes: Miguel Vazquez, Michelle Hallack, Gustavo Andreão, Alberto Tomelin, Felipe Botelho, Yannick Perez and Matteo di Castelnuovo.

The transition to more sustainable energy systems has a variety of relevant implications for the countries of the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). These include: guaranteeing and diversifying the supply of electricity to a growing population; the potential for job creation and economic and industrial development; and technological advances towards profitable solutions.

This study focuses on the analysis of financing mechanisms for renewable energy technologies in the countries of the EU and LAC. The objective is to compare experiences in the introduction of renewable energies in order to draw lessons, either from the LAC countries to the EU countries or vice versa. This objective is not simple. For example, feed-in-tariffs were a successful instrument for the introduction of renewable energy sources in Germany, but not to the same extent in Brazil. Dedicated wind energy auctions were successful instruments in Brazil, but not in Argentina. The same auctions were used in Brazil to introduce photovoltaic solar energy, and had limited success. Show less

I edited this study, which aims to trace, through documented initiatives in nine countries of Latin America, an overview of university and professional training focused on internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Emphasis is placed on the importance of strengthening the university-company links and of expanding training contents in such a way that they lead entrepreneurs to formulate their strategies beyond their borders. It also highlights the insufficient knowledge of… Show more

I edited this study, which aims to trace, through documented initiatives in nine countries of Latin America, an overview of university and professional training focused on internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Emphasis is placed on the importance of strengthening the university-company links and of expanding training contents in such a way that they lead entrepreneurs to formulate their strategies beyond their borders. It also highlights the insufficient knowledge of Europe by Latin American economic agents and suggests some ways to correct this. Show less

The evolution of exchange and collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Latin
America and the Caribbean (LAC) economies during the last 20 years is marked by
significant growth in trade and investment, and by the increasing number of links between
private companies and the public sector. In this context, the trend in recent years to
strengthen cluster and RIS3 strategies in Europe and LAC poses the challenge of the
possibilities of collaboration and convergence between… Show more

The evolution of exchange and collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Latin
America and the Caribbean (LAC) economies during the last 20 years is marked by
significant growth in trade and investment, and by the increasing number of links between
private companies and the public sector. In this context, the trend in recent years to
strengthen cluster and RIS3 strategies in Europe and LAC poses the challenge of the
possibilities of collaboration and convergence between both experiences in a common
dynamic, that enhances learning, innovation and competition, while contributing to
improved integration of value chains between both regions. This report addresses the real
possibilities of transatlantic collaboration, based on the specific experience of the
Competitiveness Clusters (Polos) Project, of the EU-LAC Foundation, by analysing the
results of the completed first phase, while proposing a new framework for the second phase
focusing on two areas of common interest for both blocks: the integration of clusters and
smart specialisation strategies, as well as the formation of global EU-LAC value chains,
within said integration. Show less

Propuesta de políticas públicas para enfrentar el cambio climático, presentada a los equipos de los candidatos presidenciales en el Ecuador, por medio de la iniciativa "Ciudadanizando la Política" del Grupo FARO y Ecuador Decide.

Esta política pública busca principalmente impulsar un desarrollo sostenible, mediante acciones dirigidas a:

a) Comenzar a reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI), en relación con las emisiones que se alcanzarían en ausencia de… Show more

Propuesta de políticas públicas para enfrentar el cambio climático, presentada a los equipos de los candidatos presidenciales en el Ecuador, por medio de la iniciativa "Ciudadanizando la Política" del Grupo FARO y Ecuador Decide.

Esta política pública busca principalmente impulsar un desarrollo sostenible, mediante acciones dirigidas a:

a) Comenzar a reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI), en relación con las emisiones que se alcanzarían en ausencia de políticas públicas, y con respecto a las emisiones por unidad de PIB. Eventualmente, se debería alcanzar una reducción de la emisión de GEI en términos absolutos.

b) Cambio de la matriz energética, con una participación creciente de la energía renovable y baja en emisiones.

c) Aumento de la eficiencia energética.

d) Reducción y mitigación de riesgos por desastres naturales y enfermedades tropicales asociadas al cambio climático.

e) Impulsar otras acciones de adaptación al cambio climático.

f) Constitución de un Fondo de Inversión para enfrentar el Cambio Climático, que pueda canalizar recursos nacionales e internacionales con el fin de apoyar políticas de mitigación y adaptación. Show less

Edité este estudio sobre la internacionalización de las PyMEs Latinoamericanas.

El objetivo del estudio es analizar las barreras que las PyMEs latinoamericanas deben superar para acceder a los mercados internacionales y a sus cadenas de valor e identificar los factores susceptibles de propiciar la asociación birregional. La internacionalización es tratada desde varios ángulos: modos de contacto con los mercados externos, proceso de salida - causas y determinantes -, programas de apoyo y… Show more

Edité este estudio sobre la internacionalización de las PyMEs Latinoamericanas.

El objetivo del estudio es analizar las barreras que las PyMEs latinoamericanas deben superar para acceder a los mercados internacionales y a sus cadenas de valor e identificar los factores susceptibles de propiciar la asociación birregional. La internacionalización es tratada desde varios ángulos: modos de contacto con los mercados externos, proceso de salida - causas y determinantes -, programas de apoyo y mercados destinatarios.

Asimismo, proporciona una visión general del proceso de desarrollo de la PyME que va de la mano con su internacionalización. Este estudio se centra, precisamente, en la internacionalización de la PyME latinoamericana a partir de una muestra de nueve países (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Perú y Uruguay) y de entrevistas a empresarios-dirigentes de 225 PyMEs.

Por último, el documento concluye sugiriendo algunas vías para el desarrollo y/o consolidación de políticas públicas selectivas.

(The English version will appear shortly). Show less

Publication I edited for the EU-LAC Foundation.

This study was carried out by CERALE (Center d'Études et de Recherche Amérique Latine -Europe) - ESCP Europe Business School, on request and with the support of the EU-LAC Foundation and the Institut des Amériques (IdA).

The study analyses the contribution by SMEs to the national wealth and the generation of employment in the European and Latin American business world.

The objective of the study is to analyse the barriers… Show more

Publication I edited for the EU-LAC Foundation.

This study was carried out by CERALE (Center d'Études et de Recherche Amérique Latine -Europe) - ESCP Europe Business School, on request and with the support of the EU-LAC Foundation and the Institut des Amériques (IdA).

The study analyses the contribution by SMEs to the national wealth and the generation of employment in the European and Latin American business world.

The objective of the study is to analyse the barriers that Latin American SMEs must overcome in order to access international markets and their value chains, and to identify the factors likely to foster the bi-regional partnership. Internationalisation is treated from several angles: external market contact, entry process - causes and determinants -, support programmes and target markets.

It also provides an overview of the SME development process that goes hand in hand with its internationalization. This study focuses precisely on the internationalisation of Latin American SMEs from a sample of nine countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay) and from interviews with the CEOs of 225 SMEs.

The paper concludes by suggesting some avenues for the development and / or consolidation of selective public policies to promote SME internationalisation. Show less

I edited this guide to EU programmes with Latin America and the Caribbean. The document analyses the main cooperation schemes, programmes and projects of international cooperation in place between the European Union (EU) (through the European Commission) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

This Vademecum was designed to cater to private and public stakeholders from the EU and CELAC countries. The information included here covers areas identified as particularly relevant for the… Show more

I edited this guide to EU programmes with Latin America and the Caribbean. The document analyses the main cooperation schemes, programmes and projects of international cooperation in place between the European Union (EU) (through the European Commission) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

This Vademecum was designed to cater to private and public stakeholders from the EU and CELAC countries. The information included here covers areas identified as particularly relevant for the countries concerned and in line with the objectives pursued within the EU-CELAC strategic partnership.

The European Commission funds cooperation programmes worldwide. This handbook will introduce the user into some of the most relevant programmes with a specific focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, or with a global focus but including LAC countries. The focus is on bi-regional cooperation, although some bilateral opportunities are also mentioned.

Show less

Ponencia presentada en el seminario “Soberanía alimentaria, poder y tierra en América Latina”, Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, 21 de septiembre, 2016. Actualiza la información sobre los Grupos Económicos en el Ecuador, 25 años después de la publicación de mi libro "Los Grupos Financieros en el Ecuador".

1.Contexto y Antecedentes; 2.El Cambio Climático; 3.El Acuerdo de París; 4.Los compromisos nacionales de mitigación y adaptación; 5.Estrategias de Desarrollo Bajas en Emisiones y Resilientes al Clima

Presentación sobre fuentes de financiamiento para implementar las acciones de mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático en las Contribuciones Nacionalmente Determinadas (NDCs) de los países de América Latina y el Caribe.

Presentación sobre el financiamiento climático en el Acuerdo de París de Cambio Climático; los logros alcanzados y los retos de implementación. Se destacan los aportes de las propuestas realizadas por AILAC en las negociaciones, que se vieron plasmadas en el Acuerdo y la Decisión acompañante de la COP21.

The climate change plans (INDCs) presented by countries in advance of the Conference of the Parties 21 (COP21) of Paris are a creative application of game theory, to foster a cooperative solution to international negotiations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

AILAC countries are promoting innovative and creative approaches to climate finance.

Article on advances made in climate finance, including the initial resource mobilization for the Green Climate Fund.

There has been significant progress on the issue of funding for mitigation and adaptation to climate change; but much remains to be done to cover the financing needs of developing countries, which exceed $ 500 billion per year.

Critical review of the book "Beyond the Green Economy" by the Brazilian researcher Ricardo Abramovay, who proposes thinking on an economy based on ethics and human beings, that achieves a sustainable development, and takes into account the limits of eco-systems.

The devastating impact of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has highlighted once again how the Planet has begun to suffer the ravages of global warming. It is estimated that the typhoon (name given to tropical cyclones or hurricanes in the Western Pacific) caused more than 6,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands lost their homes and possessions, in the most severe cyclone on record, with winds reaching up to 315 kilometers per hour (equivalent to standing behind a turbine of a jet taking… Show more

The devastating impact of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has highlighted once again how the Planet has begun to suffer the ravages of global warming. It is estimated that the typhoon (name given to tropical cyclones or hurricanes in the Western Pacific) caused more than 6,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands lost their homes and possessions, in the most severe cyclone on record, with winds reaching up to 315 kilometers per hour (equivalent to standing behind a turbine of a jet taking off).

Although the association between global warming and increased hurricane intensity is considered very likely but not a certainty, there is no doubt that the last decade has been the hottest in the historical record; the last 30 years have had the highest average temperature since at least the fourteenth century; and the global average temperature has already risen by 0.85 degrees Celsius since the nineteenth century. There have been devastating storms in different continents, exacerbated by the high temperature of the water, a gradual rise in sea level, and the erosion and deterioration of the increasingly populated coasts of the Planet.

English translation of article available at: http://economicsandinvestment.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html Show less

A Guide on access to reimbursable and non-reimbursable resources from the European Union, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Commission, the Latin American Investment Facility (LAIF), the Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF), the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF), and other EU Funds and Regional Programs.

Editor and co-author of the annual Activity Report for the IDB Office in Europe (2008-2011, and First Semester 2012). Highlighted the significant increase in resource mobilization (grants and cofinance) from European sources in the period 2008-12, from an average of $103 million per year (in 2006-07), to an average of US$ 1,223 million per year (in 2008-2012).

Contributed to this joint publication by 31 multilateral and bilateral development finance institutions. The report found that international finance institutions (IFIs) help catalyze job creation and growth through the private sector in emerging markets by providing capital, knowledge, advice on standard setting and risk management, and by mobilizing additional resources from other private sector players. IFIs catalyze additional financing from other private sector players. Each $1 of capital… Show more

Contributed to this joint publication by 31 multilateral and bilateral development finance institutions. The report found that international finance institutions (IFIs) help catalyze job creation and growth through the private sector in emerging markets by providing capital, knowledge, advice on standard setting and risk management, and by mobilizing additional resources from other private sector players. IFIs catalyze additional financing from other private sector players. Each $1 of capital supplied to IFIs can lead to $12 in private sector project investment. Show less

Led the working group that drafted the Proposal for the Establishment of a Framework Agreement between the European Commission and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Coordinated the drafting of the text of the Framework Agreement itself with European Commission staff. The link is to the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement.

Contributed to this document, which reviews the conditions for innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and tackles the question of how innovation and technology can contribute to creating increased
prosperity in these countries. The document is a contribution from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the process of policy dialogue and identification of priorities to boost cooperation in science, technology and innovation between the European
Union (EU) and Latin America and… Show more

Contributed to this document, which reviews the conditions for innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and tackles the question of how innovation and technology can contribute to creating increased
prosperity in these countries. The document is a contribution from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the process of policy dialogue and identification of priorities to boost cooperation in science, technology and innovation between the European
Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Europe has historically played a major role in the development
of science, technology and higher learning in Latin America and the Caribbean. The aim of this document is to serve as the basis for a discussion of expanded opportunities for collaboration
between the two regions. Show less

Contributed to this report on the diplomacy of Summits in Latin America and the Caribbean, including analysis on the different Summits held (CELAC, Iberoamerican, of the Americas, EU-CELAC, of the sub-regional groupings), as well as the support that different multilateral institutions provide to the Summit process (including ECLAC, IDB, CAF, etc.).

Contributed to this document, which provides an overview of issues related to sustainable development, energy, and climate change from the perspective of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was prepared as a contribution from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the process of dialogue between the regions.

The discussion that follows reviews the main challenges faced by the countries of the region in their quest for sustainable development, with a focus on emerging trends related… Show more

Contributed to this document, which provides an overview of issues related to sustainable development, energy, and climate change from the perspective of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was prepared as a contribution from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the process of dialogue between the regions.

The discussion that follows reviews the main challenges faced by the countries of the region in their quest for sustainable development, with a focus on emerging trends related to increasing demands for infrastructure development, energy supply, and commodity exports, as well as opportunities offered by the global response to climate change. In all cases, the document highlights areas where a greater cooperation between the LAC and the EU is possible. Show less

Contributed to this report, which analyzes the progress towards the Goals in Latin America and the Caribbean so far and assesses the scope of the challenges that remain. Progress in the area of poverty reduction is insufficient to meet the goal of halving by 2015 the proportion of people that are poor. Trends in other areas are more promising. To better reflect the development needs of Latin American and the Caribbean some of the Goals need to be adapted or reinforced. Of particular importance is… Show more

Contributed to this report, which analyzes the progress towards the Goals in Latin America and the Caribbean so far and assesses the scope of the challenges that remain. Progress in the area of poverty reduction is insufficient to meet the goal of halving by 2015 the proportion of people that are poor. Trends in other areas are more promising. To better reflect the development needs of Latin American and the Caribbean some of the Goals need to be adapted or reinforced. Of particular importance is placing more emphasis on social inclusion and the reduction of inequality. Show less

Chapter in Full Powers and Constitutional Transformation. Proposals for the new Constitution regarding the economic system and the participation of the State in the economy.

Contributed to the "Advocacy Handbook for Parents", prepared by the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC), a Fairfax County School Board Advisory Committee. It provides resources for parents on helping their children prepare to do well in school, high school and college admissions. While some of the information is specific to Fairfax County, Virginia, much of it can be useful to parents and students everywhere.

Contributed to this report. Development requires more than financial resources. It also requires pertinent projects and the creation and transfer of knowledge and experiences about the various issues that, together, have an impact on economic, social and political development. This includes traditional areas such as agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and financial markets, and education and poverty reduction, as well as issues whose impacts on economic development have been… Show more

Contributed to this report. Development requires more than financial resources. It also requires pertinent projects and the creation and transfer of knowledge and experiences about the various issues that, together, have an impact on economic, social and political development. This includes traditional areas such as agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and financial markets, and education and poverty reduction, as well as issues whose impacts on economic development have been recognized more recently. The latter include, for example, the role of institutions, governance and civil society; the contributions made by micro and small enterprises; and the negative impacts of natural disasters, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and social exclusion.

This guide provides descriptions of products that range from best practice and technical studies, to sector strategies and policies, databases, videos, and Bank-supported regional programs. Some of the topics covered include poverty, social development, education, health, urban development, social inclusion, gender, infrastructure, financial markets, enterprise development, information and communication technology, natural disasters, environmental management, rural development, science and technology, state reform, and civil society. Show less

I contributed to this Medium Term Action Plan (MTAP) to promote development effectiveness both within and outside the IDB. Part of the MTAP was the "External Pillar" that led to the creation of the "Program to Implement the External Pillar of the MTAP for Development Effectiveness" (PRODEV).

Co-author and contributor to these strategies. The IDB prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy (Competitiveness, Social Development, Regional Integration, and Modernization of the State).
These four constitute areas of comparative advantage for the Bank in… Show more

Co-author and contributor to these strategies. The IDB prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy (Competitiveness, Social Development, Regional Integration, and Modernization of the State).
These four constitute areas of comparative advantage for the Bank in providing help to countries in progressing towards achieving the two overarching objectives. The strategies take on board the cross-cutting nature of the environmental dimension, which is developed in a new Environment Strategy that aims to adequately internalize environmental sustainability. Show less

Member of the Working Group that drafted the IDB Policy on Ex-Post Evaluation of Operations; and its corresponding Background Document. The ex-post evaluation of operations at the Bank aims to assess the extent to which the development objectives of IDB-financed operations have been attained. The ex-post evaluation of operations also aims to assess the efficiency with which those objectives have been attained. It is called an Ex-Post evaluation since the purpose is to evaluate the results of… Show more

Member of the Working Group that drafted the IDB Policy on Ex-Post Evaluation of Operations; and its corresponding Background Document. The ex-post evaluation of operations at the Bank aims to assess the extent to which the development objectives of IDB-financed operations have been attained. The ex-post evaluation of operations also aims to assess the efficiency with which those objectives have been attained. It is called an Ex-Post evaluation since the purpose is to evaluate the results of an operation, particularly in terms of its outcomes and/or impact, after it has been completed. The Background Document provided the context and discussion related to the policy that was proposed (and approved by the Board). Show less

Co-author. The objective of the IDB Competitiveness Strategy is to establish a framework to assist member countries to make improvements in their economic and institutional environments, in order to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enhance productivity in order to attain inclusive growth. The priority lines of action proposed by the strategy focus on correcting or compensating failures in the functioning of relevant markets for the competitiveness of all firms… Show more

Co-author. The objective of the IDB Competitiveness Strategy is to establish a framework to assist member countries to make improvements in their economic and institutional environments, in order to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enhance productivity in order to attain inclusive growth. The priority lines of action proposed by the strategy focus on correcting or compensating failures in the functioning of relevant markets for the competitiveness of all firms, and includes specific actions targeted towards micro, small and medium enterprises. IDB Group activities to support improvements in competitiveness seek to achieve the following: the efficient mobilization of capital and financial resources; the improvement of human capital; the efficient provision of infrastructure services; the creation and assimilation of new knowledge and technologies; the creation of more effective institutions to support private productive activities; and the productive and sustainable management of natural resources. Show less

Contributor. The objective of the IDB Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy is to contribute to increase the growth rates of per capita GDP and income of the countries in the region, under conditions that lead to improving the quality of life of the population, alleviating poverty, and preserving or improving the natural resource base.
This strategy has a multidimensional focus and establishes the relationships between the Bank’s priority areas and the general goal of sustainable economic… Show more

Contributor. The objective of the IDB Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy is to contribute to increase the growth rates of per capita GDP and income of the countries in the region, under conditions that lead to improving the quality of life of the population, alleviating poverty, and preserving or improving the natural resource base.
This strategy has a multidimensional focus and establishes the relationships between the Bank’s priority areas and the general goal of sustainable economic growth. Proposed Bank actions to foster growth include the following lines of activity: strengthen the institutional foundations for macroeconomic stability; improve the competitiveness of productive activities, with special emphasis on the institutional and economic environment for the strengthening of financial systems and the infrastructure sector; increase the quality and coverage of education and health, to promote human capital and social development; strengthen public institutions and improve democratic governance, in the context of the modernization of the State; and promote regional integration and improve the relative position of the countries of the region in the world economy. Activities in all of these areas will pay particular attention to the environmental dimension, in order to ensure the sustainability of economic growth. Show less

Co-author. This report seeks to put the issue of poverty in practical terms of what we know about poverty and what can be done to eliminate it. Framing these issues in this way is no easy matter. Our knowledge of the social condition of the poor is woefully lacking and the practices and policies recommended are often untested. In its pursuit of policies to confront poverty, the Bank has learned from experience that often the process of project design, preparation and implementation is as… Show more

Co-author. This report seeks to put the issue of poverty in practical terms of what we know about poverty and what can be done to eliminate it. Framing these issues in this way is no easy matter. Our knowledge of the social condition of the poor is woefully lacking and the practices and policies recommended are often untested. In its pursuit of policies to confront poverty, the Bank has learned from experience that often the process of project design, preparation and implementation is as important as its results. Greater community participation, effective dialogue with all the sectors of society, and more open and transparent processes are essential to sustaining development.
In the search for the most effective means to address poverty, the Bank continues to sharpen the focus of its lending. In the mid-1970s, agriculture and urban development were leading sectors in this effort; in the 1980s, the Bank helped fill the financing gap
created by the debt crisis; and in the early 1990s, it took the lead in supporting the economic reform programs of its borrowing members. Today, the Bank has a greater focus on poverty reduction than at any time in its history. Lending to the social sectors is at all-time highs, the range of poverty-reducing initiatives is growing, and the Bank has built-in mechanisms to advance the concerns of women, children, indigenous groups,
and other minorities in its lending operations. Show less

A study on the environmental effects of economic and social development in Ecuador, and recommendations of environmental policies.

A paper I wrote in 1994 on the comparative valuation of renewable amenity resources (such as sustainable tourism) and exhaustible oil resources in the National Parks of the Ecuadorean rainforest. It analyzed the policy dilemma of oil exploration and extraction in Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. This later gave rise to the proposal to leave the oil in ground at Yasuni National Park.

Translator for this book on Mexican history in the 20th century.

Héctor Aguilar Camín and Lorenzo Meyer, two of Mexico's leading intellectuals, set out to fill a void in the literature on Mexican history: the lack of a single text to cover the history of contemporary Mexico during the twentieth century. A la sombra de la Revolución Mexicana, now available in English as In the Shadow of the Mexican Revolution, covers the Mexican Revolution itself, the gradual consolidation of… Show more

Translator for this book on Mexican history in the 20th century.

Héctor Aguilar Camín and Lorenzo Meyer, two of Mexico's leading intellectuals, set out to fill a void in the literature on Mexican history: the lack of a single text to cover the history of contemporary Mexico during the twentieth century. A la sombra de la Revolución Mexicana, now available in English as In the Shadow of the Mexican Revolution, covers the Mexican Revolution itself, the gradual consolidation of institutions, the Cárdenas regime, the "Mexican economic miracle" and its subsequent collapse, and the recent transition toward a new historical period.

The authors offer a comprehensive and authoritative study of Mexico's turbulent recent history, a history that increasingly intertwines with that of the United States. Given the level of interest in Mexico—likely to increase still more as a result of the recent liberalization of trade policies—this volume will be useful in affording U.S. readers an intelligent, comprehensive, and accessible study of their neighbor to the south. Show less

M.A. thesis on the debt overhang of Latin America and the Caribbean, and options for debt relief (including debt-for-development swaps).

Book on the development of business and financial groups in Ecuador, including a historical perspective, information on levels of concentration within industries, and ownership of the main companies of Ecuador. Was a national bestseller in Ecuador in 1991 and 1992, and is still considered the most complete book on the subject published in Ecuador.

Now available at the Internet Archive.

Editor and co-author of this study on economic reactivation and employment generation in Ecuador.

Co-author of a report on the external debt of the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Publication of the economic situation of Ecuador in 1986, in the midst of an economic crisis due to the fall of the price of oil and increasing external debt.

Co-author. Essays on the economic crisis of 1985-86 in Ecuador.