Conference Agenda

Abstract– Financial inclusion is a key driver of rural economic development; however, its effectiveness intrinsically depends on the financial literacy of its users. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between financial literacy (knowledge, behavior, and skills) and financial inclusion (access, use, and quality) among granulated panela producers in the Piura highlands of Peru. The methodology employed was quantitative, with a non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional design, applied to a sample of 150 producers using validated questionnaires. The results revealed predominantly low and medium levels in both variables, due to structural and educational barriers. Nevertheless, inferential analysis using Spearman's rho demonstrated a very high and significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.928; p < 0.001). It is concluded that strengthening financial literacy is an essential requirement to guarantee the effective use of banking services and economic sustainability in the rural agro-industrial sector.

This study examines the integration of the Design Thinking approach into University Social Responsibility (USR) projects and its influence on the development of entrepreneurial competencies among university students in Metropolitan Lima, Peru. A quantitative explanatory approach was applied using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) under a non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 385 undergraduate and graduate students who participated in USR initiatives. The results reveal statistically significant associations between empathy and entrepreneurial creativity (β = 0.63; p < 0.001), prototyping and problem-solving capabilities (β = 0.56; p < 0.01), and idea validation and sustainable innovation development (β = 0.47; p < 0.05). However, several implementation barriers were identified, including lack of practical training in the methodology (40%), academic time constraints (35%), and limited access to technological resources (24%), which hinder full implementation. The study proposes institutional strategies to overcome these challenges, such as the creation of innovation laboratories, interdisciplinary academic programs, and strengthened faculty training. Additionally, policy recommendations are presented to promote strategic partnerships among universities, the productive sector, and civil society. In conclusion, design thinking proves to be a transformative pedagogical tool that fosters socially oriented entrepreneurship, strengthening students’ holistic development and the territorial impact of universities.

This research sought to clarify the relationships between crowdlending and perceived investment value, the dimensions of which were: perceived functional value, perceived emotional value, perceived social value, and perceived economic value in small and medium enterprises within a local hardware commerce cluster. To this end, the methodology used a basic quantitative approach with a hypothetical-deductive method, a descriptive correlational approach, and a non-experimental design. The non-probabilistic census sample comprised 60 hardware-based MSEs, in which the survey technique was used. A questionnaire, whose reliability was established by Cronbach's alpha coefficient, was also used to measure the study variables. The results showed a positive and moderate correlation between crowdlending and perceived investment value (r = 0,667; sig. = 000). Furthermore, significant correlations were found with the dimensions of perceived investment value: perceived functional value (r = 0,475), perceived emotional value (r = 0,675), perceived social value (r = 0,515), and perceived economic value (r = 0,576), demonstrating that all these reviewed attributes of crowdlending are important to business owners when deciding to implement it. In conclusion, it is emphasized that hardware-based SMEs should strengthen their financial management by leveraging crowdlending as a strategic financing alternative. The financial viability of crowdlending is driven by various factors that determine the success of their economic operations in a sustainable, efficient, and appropriate manner

This study examines the relationship between tariff barriers and Peru’s economic growth over the period 1960–2023. Using a quantitative, applied, and longitudinal approach, 64 annual observations based on official data sources were analysed. The results indicate a negative and statistically significant correlation (rho = −0.787; p < 0.05) between tariff levels and real GDP, suggesting that periods characterised by higher levels of trade protection tended to coincide with weaker economic performance. While tariff measures may serve a defensive role in the short run, their persistent application is commonly associated with distortions that undermine competitiveness and aggregate productivity. In this context, the study suggests that a trade policy guided by empirical evidence, and grounded in a balance between external openness and internal development, constitutes a relevant element for sustaining more stable trajectories of economic growth.

The study analyzes the influence of chatbot use on customer experience in the context of digital service. These tools have been incorporated as communication channels to streamline responses, reduce waiting times, and provide continuous support, although questions remain regarding their effectiveness and their impact on the customer–firm relationship. The objective is to analyze the effect of different types of chatbot interaction on the customer–firm relationship, considering satisfaction, intention to use, and emotional connection. The research adopts a quantitative experimental design using a structured survey administered to users of this service channel. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to validate the constructs, showing adequate levels of consistency and reliability. The results indicate that chatbots with redirection to a human agent positively influence satisfaction, future usage intention, and emotional connection with the firm.

The research “Institutional Branding and Municipal Public Image: An Analysis from the Citizen’s Perspective, La Libertad Region - Peru” analyzes the relationship between institutional branding and public image from the citizens' perspective. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental design, applied type, and descriptive-correlational level. For data collection, a structured questionnaire consisting of 40 items was used, evenly distributed among the study variables and rated using a five-level Likert scale. The sample consisted of citizens from the municipal area, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. The obtained data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, which allowed determining the degree of relationship between the variables. The results showed a high positive correlation between institutional branding and the municipal public image, demonstrating that a greater development of identity, communication, and positioning strategies significantly contributes to improving citizens' perception. In this sense, it is confirmed that strengthening branding directly impacts the construction of a solid and trustworthy institutional image. In conclusion, the study establishes that branding is a strategic factor in municipal management, as it decisively influences the value that citizens attach to the institution. Therefore, the need to implement comprehensive and sustainable communication, visual identity, and institutional positioning policies is emphasized, aimed at strengthening citizen trust, optimizing public management, and contributing to local economic development.

The objective of this research was to determine how technological resources relate to the professional performance of architects at an architecture firm located in Trujillo, Peru. The research was basic, correlational, quantitative, and non-experimental. The population and sample were the same: 13 architects working at the firm. Two questionnaires were administered to each participant. The main finding was a significant relationship (p < 0.000 < 0.050) between technological resources and the professional performance of the participating architects. The correlation level was high (0.834). The study concluded that greater use of technological resources is associated with higher professional performance among architecture professionals in firms specializing in this field.