Assessment of Digital Government in the Municipalities of Guanajuato: Progress, Gaps, and Challenges

Abstract

Digital government has become a key component of modernizing public administration and improving citizen-oriented services. International organizations highlight that its adoption fosters transparency, efficiency, and civic participation; however, its effectiveness depends on institutional capacities and the degree of technological consolidation at the local level. This article analyzes the development of digital government across the 46 municipalities of Guanajuato through a descriptive-analytical study based on indicators drawn from international frameworks such as the UN, OECD, and ECLAC. The methodology integrated a systematic review of municipal portals, an assessment of eight digital maturity axes, and an ordinal scale (0, 0.5, and 1) to synthesize implementation levels across subregions. Results show uneven progress: while municipalities such as León, Guanajuato City, and Irapuato demonstrate more consolidated strategies, most local governments exhibit significant limitations in digital services, citizen participation mechanisms, accessibility, and inclusion. The study concludes that although Guanajuato has implemented relevant initiatives to promote digital transformation, territorial and institutional gaps remain, requiring differentiated policies, strengthened capacities, and greater regional coordination to advance toward a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive digital government.