Políticas públicas para la transformación digital en el sector público: un estudio de caso en la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

The research evaluated the effectiveness of public policies for digital transformation at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH). Using a qualitative approach with interviews with five institutional actors and an external expert, complemented with documentary analysis of the regulatory framework, implementations, challenges and benefits were examined. The results show that UNACH has achieved significant technological advances in two decades, especially in infrastructure and academic systems. However, these initiatives function as “islands of digitization” without articulation, due to the absence of a specific digital transformation plan despite the fact that in the institution's strategic plan this aspect is articulated as a transversal axis. The Ecuadorian regulatory framework has evolved significantly, culminating in the Organic Law for Digital Transformation and Public Policy 2025-2030, which establish specific mandates for universities. The main barriers include budgetary constraints, cultural resistance to change, and the perception of digital spending as a non-priority. The study concludes that policy effectiveness is limited by the lack of a specific institutional plan. It is recommended to develop such a plan aligned with national strategic axes, strengthen training as a tool for change management, improve evaluation mechanisms, prioritize interoperability and promote inter-institutional collaboration.