Entre economía social y economía popular: confusiones y desaciertos políticos en el "Ecuador del Buen Vivir" Between social and popular economy: political confusions in the " Ecuador of Good Living"

The social and solidary economy in Ecuador has emerged over the last eight years as a flag of the ruling political discourse. Despite the efforts that have been made in favor of the organizations that make up this economic sector, there are several confusions and political blunders explained largely by the exclusion of the concept of "social innovation " and the territorial variable in the analysis the of actors dynamics. What are the risks involved for this economic sector in Ecuador? Which way should be favored to create and stren - gthen real alternative initiatives to the dominant economic system? These are some of the questions this article attempts to answer using examples taken from existing experiences both in Ecuador and in Europe.