A scoping review of national stackable micro-credentials ecosystems in higher education with implications for Ecuador

The growing demand for lifelong learning and workforce adaptability has positioned micro-credentials as a strategic innovation in higher education systems worldwide. While individual micro-credentials initiatives have expanded rapidly, their effectiveness and sustainability increasingly depend on coherent national and system-level ecosystems that integrate governance, quality assurance, and technological infrastructure. This study conducts a scoping review of the international literature on national and institutional ecosystems of stackable micro-credentials in higher education, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted primarily in Scopus, complemented by searches in Web of Science (Core Collection) and ERIC, as well as relevant grey literature from international organizations. A total of 18 studies were included after systematic screening and eligibility assessment. The results reveal converging conceptual frameworks that position micro-credentials within lifelong learning systems, alongside diverse governance models ranging from state-led to hybrid arrangements. Key enabling mechanisms include alignment with national qualifications frameworks, robust quality assurance processes, and interoperable digital credentialing systems. However, persistent challenges remain, particularly in developing regions, where fragmented governance and limited regulatory clarity constrain implementation. Drawing on these findings, the study highlights evidence-informed implications for the development of a national stackable micro-credentials ecosystem in Ecuador, contributing to policy-oriented debates on the future of higher education.