Abstract

The research analyses the relationship between digital transformation and institutional competitiveness in public universities in Ecuador, incorporating human talent management as a central explanatory mechanism. The study was conducted under a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional approach, with data collected through a survey administered to academic and administrative staff from five public universities. Based on a sample size of 379 participants, a model was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the quality of the measurement model and simultaneously test the direct and indirect effects proposed in the hypotheses. The structural equation model showed an adequate overall fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.837, CFI = 0.959, TLI = 0.937, GFI = 0.963, RMSEA = 0.078). The structural analysis revealed a strong positive effect of Human Talent Management on Digital Transformation (β = 0.962), while Digital Transformation also exerted a strong positive effect on Institutional Competitiveness (β = 0.962). Furthermore, the results support the proposed mediating mechanism, indicating that Human Talent Management enhances institutional competitiveness indirectly through Digital Transformation. These findings demonstrate that sustainable institutional competitiveness depends not only on technological resources but also on the strategic integration of digital capabilities with effective human talent management.