Policy implementation and public organisations: exploring change and stability in Ecuador’s social sector (2007–2023)

This research analyses organisational changes in Ecuador’s social sector on the premise that the implementation of new policies entails transformations in the institutions responsible for their execution. Theoretically, it draws on the concept of state organisational capacity (meso level) operationalised through three dimensions: life cycle, hierarchical level and organisational size. Methodologically, the study carries out a diachronic comparison through a qualitative longitudinal design based on the compilation of normative sources, complemented by programmatic instruments and analysed thematically with ATLAS.ti. Empirically, it covers five presidential terms – Rafael Correa (three terms), Lenin Moreno and Guillermo Lasso – marked by divergent political orientations and critical junctures such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that only three ministries maintained continuity, while the rest followed unstable trajectories. From a comparative perspective, Correa promoted institutional expansion, Moreno reduced capacity and Lasso was unable to implement his plan. The Ecuadorian case demonstrates that organisational redesigns are contingent, shaped by political projects and critical junctures. The study also opens new avenues for research, including the incorporation of the micro (civil servants) and macro (state–society relations) levels of state capacity, the diversification of methodologies and the exploration of links between social reforms and other policy domains.