Quality Standards for University Research in Relation to Social Prosperity in Ecuador and the International Context

Purpose: This study analyses the evaluation criteria of university research in Ecuador and in recent international literature, with the aim of identifying their degree of alignment with social needs. Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review was conducted on publications from 2020 to 2025 in the Scopus database, following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 41 studies were examined to identify evaluation metrics, conceptual frameworks, and challenges in assessing academic research. Findings: The results confirm the predominance of quantitative indicators focused on publications, citations, and rankings, while also highlighting their limitations in addressing local issues. The literature points to the growing proposal of hybrid models that combine bibliometric indicators with criteria of social relevance, knowledge transfer, and qualitative assessments as a more balanced alternative. Research Limitation/Implication: When contrasting these findings with the Ecuadorian model, a limited incorporation of social impact indicators is evident, underscoring the need to develop more comprehensive evaluation frameworks. Originality/Value of paper: The value of this work lies in offering a comparative perspective between Ecuadorian regulations and international trends, providing evidence to support the design of evaluation models that balance scientific quality with the real contribution of research to socioeconomic development and inclusive social progress.