Public Investment in Higher Education and QS Performance in Ecuador (2023-2026): A Longitudinal Analysis

Global university rankings are having an increasing effect on how higher education is planned, especially in developing countries. This study examines how the performance of Ecuadorian universities in the QS World University Rankings from 2023 to 2026 is related to how significantly the government spends on higher education. The analysis examines at whether more public spending leads to better rankings by comparing national funding data from 2021 to 2025 with QS outcomes and taking into account methodological lag. Findings reveal that while investment peaks coincide with moderate gains in research related and sustainability indicators, broader improvements such as employer reputation or internationalization remain limited. Several public institutions exited the rankings in 2026 despite previous upward trends, suggesting structural or strategic misalignments. The results indicate that public funding, though essential, is insufficient in isolation. It is crucial for institutions to be in line with changing ranking metrics, such as sustainability and international research networks. The study indicates that national policies need to connect money spent with clear performance goals so that investments lead to long-term global visibility.