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In this paper, we propose a method to measure competitiveness performance at the subnational level, with an application to Peruvian regions. For this, we propose a benefit-of-the-doubt composite index that summarizes the information of several indicators that characterize competitiveness. It is based on an optimization approach, using data enveloping analysis (DEA) techniques, so that each indicator is weighted in an endogenous way, and each unit is evaluated in the most favourable light. Our proposed index is a non-radial variant of the typical DEA scores, which avoids the traditional pitfalls of DEA-based composite indices, such as unreasonable weights. Additionally, we propose a meta-frontier approach in order to compare the competitiveness performances across different periods of evaluation. Our assessments of the Peruvian regions' competitiveness performance improve on the results of traditional DEA methods, which award high marks to regions with very heterogeneous performance (i.e., regions with very high scores in some indicators, and very poor in others). Additionally, the comparison of the performance across time shows a general decrease in the average competitiveness between 2008 and 2014 of the Peruvian regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses documents generated by the 1594–1595 composiciones de tierras in Cuzco, Peru, to discuss the economic transformation of the former heartland of the Inca Empire and the impact of Spanish administrative policies implemented in the early 1570s. The diverse social and environmental landscapes of rural areas lying to the west of Cuzco provide a range of local case studies that reveal how settlement and tribute policies of the viceroy Francisco de Toledo failed to produce sustainable colonial towns of Christian Indians. Detailed records of indigenous land repartition in the area show gender- and status-based patterns of individual allocations, as well as ecological differences in landholding between communities. The local records indicate the continuing importance of Inca-era community identities and local leadership for maintaining possession of community lands. By contrast, documents related to the composiciones among private landowners reveal vast inequalities in land access, as well as the rapid growth in the demand for indigenous labor to produce important agrarian commodities. We argue that Spanish administrative policies accelerated the transformation of the means of production in rural Cuzco, creating peasants instead of Christian Indian subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The collection costs of the recycling industry are higher in high-income countries than in middle-income countries. This is mainly due to the fact that in middleincome countries, recycling collection is handled by the informal sector, and these waste collectors do not adhere the prescribed health and safety conditions. In this paper, we use the Peruvian recycling industry as a case study of the recycling industry in a middle income country. The analysis of the structure of the recycling industry in Peru suggests that this industry faces a major challenge as the country continues its economic development. We show how variations in the technical, legal, and work regulations in Peru will modify the cost structure of plastics recycling operations. A forecast regarding the viability of the recycling industry in Peru in the coming years is made and based on this analysis. We propose that technification is needed for this industry to remain viable in middleincome countries. The analysis presented here can be easily extended to other middle income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the experience of economic growth in Peru during the last five decades. It describes its principal characteristics, explains the changes along the period and predicts its future path. The methodological approach consists in a combination of accounting and econometric techniques, both based in comparisons between countries and periods of time. The study discovers that the most important turning points of the economic growth were caused by changes in the productivity of all inputs, instead of the simple accumulation of capital. Specifically, the paper finds out that the recover of the economic growth in Peru during the 1990's was caused by the process of structural reforms and stabilization and lasts until now. The future growth of the economy depends on the continuation and deepness of this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the linkages between archaeology, identity, and tourism in Peru are discussed in the context of economic and social development. The role of archaeologists in the heritage process ( patrimonialización) is shown to transcend the production of narratives and destinations pivotal to the touristic experience. Engagements beyond the material remains of the pre-Colonial past have been hampered by the complex role of the indigenous in the national mythology, as much as by the perceived mandate of the discipline. Promise and pitfalls of ethical practices leading to locally grounded strategies are explored in two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pressure on irrigation is increasing worldwide, not only because of – perceived or real – high water consumption in the irrigated sector, but also because an increased world population puts stress on food production. Numerous irrigated areas around the world face similar issues of water scarcity, disparity in water distribution and deficient infrastructure. As a result, farmers are typically restricted in their production strategies. A general strategy in the irrigation sector is the introduction of so-called modern techniques in existing irrigation systems, with the aim to increase agricultural production. This paper discusses such a modernization effort in the sub-basin of Yarabamba, Arequipa, Peru, in which a reservoir is being constructed to improve water use and stimulate economic development. Based on fieldwork, including interviews and scenario modeling with WEAP, the relationships between water users, their irrigation systems and the water balances in the basin were studied. Scenario studies showed that the reservoir might alleviate the current water shortages in the sub-basin, but that restrictions in the current infrastructure and management of irrigation may be of more importance than the reservoir. Especially existing interests and actions of upstream and downstream areas appear to be important factors; these will not be automatically solved with the new reservoir. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Globalization, characterized by economic liberalization, has resulted in the growing power of corporate capital and MNCs. However, it has also provided opportunities for previously marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples, to rescale their political claims and gain international support and legitimacy. This paper explores the double-edged sword of globalization for indigenous peoples in their struggle against mining companies in Peru, and the changing nature of their resistance: employing a collective identity, partnerships with international actors, and litigation. It concludes that the struggle actually provides indigenous peoples in Peru with a platform on which to voice their concerns on a global scale, which has ultimately given them more political power at the domestic level. As well, the role of the Peruvian state is analyzed in ignoring or suppressing indigenous rights through the endorsement of an economic development strategy, which starkly contrasts the sustainable and participatory development view advocated by indigenous communities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we show the balance of knowledge deficit in Peru compared to the surplus of its trade balance and the necessity to transform the structure and technological coefficients of exports to close this knowledge gap. We analyze major economic policies that could help in closing the gap, especially industrial and technological innovation policies, rethinking intellectual property rights and impelling the forces that propagate the economic system as a whole. "Openness" and the "good management of macroeconomic fundamentals" are necessary but not sufficient conditions to transform the economy, which for better performance need the strategic "will and wit" of adding value and a better balance between external and national interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to think about the dynamics between social labour relationships and the religious believes in Peruvian mining on the basis of anthropological analysis of data collected among Julcani miners (Huancavelica) and Canta artisanal miners (Sierra of Lima) . Julcani miners are observed in two different socioeconomic contexts, one of modernization and technological development, and another of mine closure. Canta artisanal miners are also observed in two different periods, one before and the other after the installation in the zone of a mineral trade company. It can be stated that the apparition of «evil» believes in miner's religious system corresponds to the expansion and intensification of capitalist labour relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abandonment of indigenous and traditional ways of relating to the landscape and making use of the environment are historically tied, since the epoch of conquest, to the imposition of development models that respond to foreign demands. Social scientists have variously integrated the concept of development as an analytical tool, with differing foci and applications, despite a broader and persistent tendency to relate the idea chiefly to economic growth and eschew social progress. This paper critically addresses the theoretical implications of an ecological approach to the recovery of indigenous technologies in the Andean area, on the basis of experiences in bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Its objective is to learn from past mistakes and recast the recovery of indigenous technologies as an effective strategy to articulate viable alternatives for local communities in the fields of agriculture, herding and agroforestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with Viceroy Toledo's governing plan and the modern concepts of development. It is a review of Viceroy Toledo's plan genesis from 1568's Junta Magna, the Toledo's trip over the Andes and the final establishment of his two main economic policy pillars: the mita and the technological process --using mercury for extracting silver from the ore--. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003 the Peruvian government launched a second wave of decentralization and devolution initiatives to the sub-national governments. The move aimed at fostering development, economic growth and job creation with a strong focus on small companies. However, evidence shows these efforts failed because properly planned policies linked to development objectives were lacking. A reference framework is proposed to design local policies that will add economic momentum, relate the local business network to external systems, and create wellbeing by fostering small business competitiveness. To help identify several types of development measures, the paper proposes to take account of the relation between the business activity and its territory, the key factors of success of innovative companies, and the business's life cycle as related to the potential for innovation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]