Mexico’s Path toward a Unified Digital Government: The Creation of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency

The article traces Mexico’s twenty-year journey in digital government transformation, from the early e-México initiative under Vicente Fox to the recent creation of the proposed Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency. It highlights the continuity of digital efforts across administrations, including the National Digital Agenda under Felipe Calderón and the National Digital Strategy during Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidency, both seeking to expand internet access, enhance digital inclusion, and modernize public administration. Under Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the focus shifted toward technological sovereignty, efficiency, and austerity while maintaining the digital transformation trajectory.

The new agency, inspired by the success of Mexico City’s Digital Public Innovation Agency (ADIP) and led by Dr. José Antonio Peña Merino, aims to centralize and coordinate digitalization efforts nationwide. Key projects include Llave MX (a unified digital ID system), the Federal Software Factory, and the Center for Citizen Well-being (CABI). Llave MX stands out as a cornerstone initiative aimed at simplifying citizens’ access to services through secure biometric authentication and multi-platform integration. Its success depends on solid legal frameworks, digital literacy, robust infrastructure, and effective interagency coordination. The article also explores how organizational theory can guide cultural and structural adaptation in public institutions to achieve sustainable digital transformation. Ultimately, it envisions a transparent, agile, and inclusive government supported by technology, citizen engagement, and continuous innovation.