Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies for the Treatment of Public Information in the Municipalities of Ecuador

This project addresses the need to improve the quality of public information disseminated by Ecuadorian municipalities and strengthen citizen participation, given the underutilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in local democratic processes. The main goal is to foster a culture of institutional transparency by leveraging Web 3.0 tools and the Ecuadorian legal framework, specifically the Organic Law on Transparency and Access to Information (LOTAIP). The core problem is the lack of regulatory compliance and the absence of a dedicated body to monitor transparency, compounded by endemic corruption. The proposed solution employs a mixed methodological approach: qualitative methods to assess the state of legal compliance and foster improvement commitment, and quantitative methods through citizen surveys. An Action-Research approach is utilized to ensure the investigation directly addresses community needs, building upon previous work such as the Infoparticipa Map.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To develop a methodology that provides tools for information managers in Ecuadorian municipalities to improve the quality of public information and enable effective citizen participation, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Communication, development and politics