Public policies in Ecuadorian higher education: An analysis of three governments (2007–2023)

In recent decades, higher education in Latin America has undergone transformations influenced by changes in the region’s political systems. This study focuses on comparing the public higher education policies implemented by three governments in Ecuador, starting in 2007 with Rafael Correa and his ideology of “21st Century Socialism”, going through Lenin Moreno and ending in 2023, with the return to the right in the person of Guillermo Lasso. The methodology is qualitative, based on the review and analysis of primary and secondary sources, with a descriptive scope. The results highlight that each government acted according to its interests. Thus, for Rafael Correa, education was considered a “social public good”, but access was meritocratic; Lenin Moreno does not disagree with this policy; while for Guillermo Lasso, establishing a diverse and inclusive educational system was the priority. Regarding quality, the three governments agree that it is relevant, also in the discourse regarding the right to education with equal opportunities. It is concluded that the efforts of each government have contributed to improving quality; However, the gap in access to higher education in Ecuador has not been closed.