Color economy and sustainable development in Ecuador: a bibliographic review of approaches, applications, and challenges

Abstract

This article analyzes the conceptual evolution of the color economy and its application in the Ecuadorian context, aiming to understand its contribution as an interpretive framework for sustainable development, productive diversification, and social inclusion. The research was conducted through a documentary bibliographic review, supported by the PRISMA 2020 protocol to organize the identification, screening, and selection of academic, institutional, and regulatory sources. Documents related to the green, blue, orange, yellow, violet, silver, red, gray, and black economies were reviewed, considering their conceptual scope, main fields of application, and connection with Ecuadorian public policies. The findings show that the color economy helps organize different dimensions of development, including environmental sustainability, responsible use of marine and coastal resources, creativity, innovation, gender equality, population aging, state intervention, informality, and illicit activities. In Ecuador, the green and blue economies show greater articulation with environmental agendas and international cooperation; the orange and yellow economies are linked to creative industries, culture, knowledge, and digital transformation; the violet and silver economies pose inclusion challenges; while the gray and black economies represent structural challenges for formalization and economic security. It is concluded that this approach is useful for interpreting the economic complexity of the country, although it requires greater conceptual precision, statistical evidence, and integrated policies to become an effective planning instrument.