The digital transformation agenda of Ecuador 2022–2025

The digital transformation agenda of Ecuador 2022–2025, published in June 2022 by the Ministry of Telecommunications and the Information Society (MINTEL), is a comprehensive public policy framework aimed at guiding Ecuador’s digital transformation. It builds on the country’s earlier 2021 digital agenda and introduces a more structured, multi-sectoral approach aligned with emerging technologies, global standards, and citizen-centric development.

Core vision and objectives

The agenda aims to enhance Ecuador’s competitiveness and quality of life through effective adoption of digital technologies. Its general objective is to establish a coordinated multisectoral framework that guides digital transformation across the public and private sectors, with a strong emphasis on governance and institutional alignment. Specific objectives include:

• Expanding technological infrastructure nationwide.
• Promoting digital culture and skills for employment, education, and health.
• Encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies.
• Improving interoperability and secure data exchange between institutions.
• Strengthening cybersecurity and protecting personal data.
• Bridging the digital divide and enhancing public service delivery through digital means.

Structure and strategic axes

The agenda is organised into 7 strategic axes, each with dedicated pillars and lines of action (93 in total):

1. Digital infrastructure: Expanding broadband, enhancing public IT systems, and promoting software development.
2. Digital culture and inclusion: Improving digital education, digital health services, and public digital literacy, with attention to gender and vulnerable groups.
3. Digital economy: Supporting SMEs, digital entrepreneurship, e-commerce ecosystems, and fintech integration.
4. Emerging technologies for sustainable development: Encouraging innovation in AI, IoT, blockchain, and promoting smart cities and green technologies.
5. Digital government: Simplifying procedures, enabling digital identity, fostering civic participation, and building IT governance frameworks.
6. Interoperability and data management: Developing infrastructure for data exchange, ensuring data protection, and promoting open data.
7. Digital security and trust: Establishing cybersecurity frameworks, national incident response capabilities, and a culture of information security.

Legal and institutional framework

The agenda is supported by Ecuador’s Constitution and several laws, including:

• Ley Orgánica de Telecomunicaciones
• Ley Orgánica de Gestión de Identidad y Datos Civiles
• Ley para la Optimización de Trámites Administrativos

Additionally, executive decrees and the Digital Transformation Policy provide regulatory backing. MINTEL acts as the main coordinating body, supported by other public institutions.

Implementation and governance

A critical component is the operationalisation plan, linking each axis and pillar to existing government programs such as:

• Plan de la Sociedad de la Información
• Plan de Gobierno Electrónico
• Plan de Servicio Universal
• Plan de Telecomunicaciones y TIC

Individual ministries and agencies have also defined digital transformation plans aligned with the agenda. For instance, the Ministry of Education promotes digital citizenship and virtual learning environments, while the Ministry of Health advances telemedicine and interoperable health records.