Purpose This study aims to document cross-country configurations of procurement centralisation and digitalisation, focusing on the unrecorded combination of a central purchasing body (CPB) without national e-procurement. Design/methodology/approach The analysis combines Global Public Procurement Database indicators with public-finance and macroeconomic data whose source fields span 2018–2023. The estimation sample contains 203 country-year outcome observations representing 79 countries. Country-level OLS and pooled fractional-logit models provide supporting, non-causal expenditure comparisons. Findings Under the main coding rule, which codes missing CPB entries as zero, three configurations are recorded: No CPB/No eProc, No CPB/eProc and CPB/eProc. No recorded case combines CPB with no e-procurement. Supporting expenditure and governance interaction estimates are imprecise and not statistically significant. Research limitations/implications CPB reporting is incomplete, the architecture indicators capture formal presence rather than implementation and the design cannot establish a reform sequence. The missing cell is therefore a recorded-data pattern, not proof that the architecture does not exist. Social implications Countries considering central purchasing should assess whether shared digital infrastructure, interoperable reporting and implementation capacity are already in place or must be developed alongside it. Originality/value The study treats configuration support and missingness as substantive features. It reframes an unsupported interaction test as a research agenda on sequencing, reporting capacity, measurement and institutional architecture.
Purpose This study aims to examine whether Masters in Public Administration (MPA) programs adequately prepare public administrators for careers in public procurement in the same manner that they prepare students for professional roles in human resources or financial management. It argues that the growing importance of organizational capacity in public procurement across the three sectors necessitates an expansion of MPA curricula. Specifically, the study contends that technical skills training, case-based instruction and engagement with theoretical and empirical literature are essential components in the preparation of public procurement professionals. The study analyzes these issues through the lens of signaling theory. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on course catalog, syllabus and survey data to examine the extent to which these key components are incorporated into stand-alone public procurement courses within MPA curricula. Findings The results show that public procurement courses are not widely offered in MPA programs. This indicates that, while some scholars argue that public procurement is indeed a subfield of public administration, the degree often does not prepare students for the field. However, where public procurement courses are offered, the degree can credibly signal that students are prepared for careers in the field. Social implications Learning about public procurement in MPA programs will help inculcate ethical values into the field. This is why it is important to investigate why MPA programs should have stand-alone procurement courses. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first that could be identified to assess the offerings and substance of public procurement courses in MPA programs. This is important because we want to know whether the MPA degree can be taken as a credible signal that graduates are trained in public procurement.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to make the case for the inclusion of lotteries in public procurement toolkits when governance and institutional weaknesses lead to recurring undesirable contract award outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The authors review different strands of the literature on auctions, corruption and experimental economics and build a simple model reviewing the different benefits and tradeoffs, of including lottery toolboxes into existing auction processes. Findings For contracts awarded through auctions, a lottery component can increase quality and reduce risks related to limited liability, renegotiations and bid-rigging. For negotiated contracts, a lottery component can reduce corruption risks related to the selection processes of bidders, decision committee members or auditors. The summary of the still modest empirical evidence shows promising prospects but also some limitations. The paper argues that more experiments would help to refine the opportunities identified by the theoretical literature. Social implications By potentially reducing inefficiencies and corruption, lotteries can increase the quality and cost-effectiveness of public services, directly benefiting communities. Improved procurement practices can lead to better infrastructure, healthcare and education services, particularly in developing countries where inefficiencies are most pronounced. Fairer and more transparent procurement processes can increase public trust in government institutions. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is to provide the first comprehensive case for the integration of lottery-based tools in all forms of procurement. The authors bring together seemingly disconnected strands of research in a single toolbox that helps understand the different trade-offs at play and the various ways in which the potential benefits of lotteries can be leveraged.
Purpose This study aims to analyze the effect of the quality of preparatory actions, operational efficiency and optimal process allocation on the performance of university public procurement.Design/methodology/approach A mixed nonexperimental methodological approach was adopted, integrating inferential statistical analysis, multicriteria prioritization, efficiency evaluation and mathematical optimization. The data comes from surveys of 152 public servants, a document review of the Annual Procurement Plan and records from the State Electronic Procurement System for the period 2019-2024, as well as ex post control reports. Preparatory actions were prioritized using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), technical efficiency was evaluated using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the optimal allocation of processes was estimated using integer linear programming (ILP).Findings This study proposes a prescriptive and replicable analytical framework that links diagnosis, prioritization and optimization, providing empirical evidence to strengthen decision-making and improve the performance of public procurement in decentralized public universities.Research limitations/implications This study was based on information corresponding to a public university and a specific period (2019-2024), which may limit the direct generalization of the results to other institutional contexts. Furthermore, although the integrated AHP-DEA-ILP approach allows for robust analysis, the results depend on the quality of the available data and the assumptions inherent in each method. Future studies could expand the analysis by incorporating multiple institutions, more extensive longitudinal evaluations or dynamic optimization approaches.Practical implications The results provide operational evidence for public universities to reorient the allocation of hiring processes without requiring budget increases. The proposed framework allows for the identification of bottlenecks, the prioritization of preparatory actions and the redistribution of operational burdens toward more efficient modalities, constituting a concrete tool to support decision-making for public managers and planning officials.Social implications By improving the efficiency and execution of university procurement, the proposed approach indirectly contributes to better provision of public goods and services, reducing delays, economic losses and risks of regulatory noncompliance. This promotes more responsible use of public resources and strengthens public confidence in institutional management.Originality/value This study provides a prescriptive and integrated approach that links diagnosis, prioritization, efficiency and optimization in the analysis of university public procurement. Unlike predominantly descriptive studies, it proposes a replicable framework that translates performance evaluation into concrete operational decisions, contributing both to the literature on public management and to the practice of evidence-based institutional planning.
Purpose This paper aims to examine how public procurement organisations operationalise human rights due diligence (HRDD) within socially responsible public procurement (SRPP) and how intermediaries enable and shape that practice. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed-methods design combining a purposefully sampled European survey of public procurement professionals (N = 75, respondents with HRDD knowledge) with ten semi-structured interviews. The survey results show how HRDD practices in SRPP are implemented and the challenges faced. Interview data explain underlying capacity, risk and organisational dynamics. Findings HRDD integration appears to be fragmented across organisations, countries and contracts represented in our study. Organisations rely on intermediaries to build internal support and capacity and to assist in concrete procurement actions. Intermediary support is concentrated pre-award, leaving post-award contract management underdeveloped. This reinforces the tendency to treat the SRPP as a pre-award issue rather than as a continuous process. Social implications Policy and organisational strategies lack attention to intermediary infrastructures for contract management, strengthening collective monitoring and leveraging mechanisms to move beyond clause-writing toward sustained SRPP practices. Originality/value The paper advances SRPP research by introducing a capacity-risk-intermediary lens that highlights how capacity constraints and risk perceptions jointly produce reliance on intermediaries, who, in turn, shape the depth and form of HRDD integration.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the current state of research on innovation intermediaries by analysing systematic literature reviews (SLRs), focusing specifically on the extent to which public procurement is considered. Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a review of reviews methodology, with SLRs as the unit of analysis. This approach allows for a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on innovation intermediaries and a focused examination of public procurement within this literature. FindingsThe findings reveal that research predominantly focuses on private-sector dynamics, leaving public procurement underexplored. Barriers to public procurement of innovation (PPoI), such as inadequate supplier interaction, underscore the need for intermediaries, yet their role in overcoming these challenges is not thoroughly examined. This highlights the necessity for more targeted research on how innovation intermediaries can effectively support procurement processes in the public sector, particularly at the management level, to enhance PPoI outcomes. Social implicationsPublic procurement is a strategic tool for achieving policy objectives. Leveraging innovation intermediaries as an instrument for implementation could significantly enhance the effectiveness of PPoI. Originality/valueThis study evaluates SLRs to assess the extent to which public procurement is addressed and identifies transferable insights to enhance the understanding of innovation intermediaries in a public procurement context. Building on these findings and an exploratory analysis of 90 identified innovation intermediaries in public procurement across the European Union, this study conceptualises how these organisations can support public procurement management in different procurement situations, particularly in contexts with high or low technology readiness levels.
PurposeThis paper aims to systematically review key theories, constructs and empirical findings from studies that applied partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) within domains of public procurement research. Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a systematic literature review was conducted, from which 37 relevant publications from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) that met the inclusion criteria and published between 2010 and 2024 were analysed. FindingsOver the period of 15 years, PLS-SEM has been widely applied in public procurement research, especially in developing countries. Past research from 2010 to 2014 focused solely on e-procurement adoption and implementation, whereas from 2015 to 2019, research interests included e-procurement adoption and implementation, strategic alliances and other aspects of the construction industry. Recent studies from 2020 to 2024 further emphasise contemporary issues such as sustainability, innovation, technology adoption and performance. Institutional theory dominates as the primary theoretical lens, followed by resource-based view and agency theory. Key constructs are based on e-procurement, user perceptions, system quality, governance, innovation, sustainability, risks and performance. Despite growing interests, little is known on evidence from moderated mediation analysis, and most reviewed studies revealed mixed research findings in the research field, offering rich opportunities for future research. Social implicationsThe paper enhances evidence-based policymaking grounded from consolidated theoretical foundations, constructs and findings from the public procurement research. This is relevant for improving public procurement processes, and support transparency and efficiency in the public sector. Technological aspects associated with Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and blockchain have received little attention in public procurement research. Therefore, future studies should consider these technologies, as they have substantial social implications. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review that consolidates studies using PLS-SEM in public procurement research from Scopus and WoS. This review provides a foundational reference point for future research and offers a clearer picture that shapes the thematic direction of future studies that use PLS-SEM in public procurement research.
Purpose Public procurement plays a central role in public governance by structuring market access, organizing administrative discretion and supporting accountability through procedural rules. Despite the growing adoption of digital procurement platforms, empirical evidence remains limited on how digital reforms are associated with competitive dynamics and institutional authority beyond technical efficiency gains. This study aims to examine how procedural design within a mandatory digital procurement system relates to contracting outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The study analyzes comprehensive administrative microdata on all procurement procedures conducted in 2024 on the Italian Mercato Elettronico della Pubblica Amministrazione, managed by CONSIP S.p.A. This period corresponds to the first full year of implementation of the new Italian Procurement Code (Legislative Decree No. 36 / 2023). Using multivariate count-data models and instrumental-variable estimations, the analysis compares competitive, rule-based Request for Offer with discretionary direct negotiations and examines how supplier participation interacts with procedural design. Findings The results indicate that competitive digital procurement procedures are associated with a higher number of contracts awarded. Moreover, the association between supplier participation and contracting outcomes is stronger under competitive procedures, while participation alone is less strongly associated with outcomes under discretionary formats. Overall, the findings suggest that contracting patterns differ systematically across procedural formats, particularly when competition is embedded within standardized procedural rules. Research limitations/implications The analysis is restricted to a single year and relies on cross-sectional data, which limits the ability to examine dynamic changes over time or establish causal relationships. Social implications The findings suggest that policymakers should complement digital procurement reforms with investments in administrative capacity, standardized procedures and oversight to better support governance outcomes. Originality/value This study contributes to the public procurement literature by providing large-scale empirical evidence on how procedural design within digital procurement platforms is associated with differences in contracting outcomes and administrative organization. By focusing on institutional rules rather than price efficiency alone, it highlights digital procurement as a governance framework associated with the organization of discretion and market access.
Purpose This study aims to examine the organisational drivers that motivate small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adhere to green public procurement (GPP). Drawing on the resource-based view, the authors investigate how environmental organisational culture (EOC), green training programmes (GTP) and managerial vision for sustainability (MVS) influence GPP motivation. By identifying how these internal resources interact, the study addresses the gap in understanding why SMEs - despite their relevance in the economy - are less engaged in GPP. The research contributes to sustainability management literature and provides insights into how SMEs can leverage internal drivers to advance sustainable procurement practices. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an empirical analysis of 206 SMEs in Andalusia (Spain), a region where SMEs dominate the economy. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed through moderated mediation regression models, using Hayes' PROCESS macro. EOC was examined as an explanatory variable, GTP as a mediator and MVS as a moderator of the relationship between EOC and GPP adherence. Harman's single-factor test was applied to control for common method variance, and steps were taken to minimise social desirability bias. This design ensured robust insights into the organisational mechanisms underpinning SMEs' motivation to engage in GPP. Findings Results show that both EOC and GTP positively affect SMEs' motivation to adhere to GPP, although the effects remain modest. Contrary to expectations, GTP did not mediate the relationship between EOC and GPP adherence, and MVS exhibited a negative moderation, weakening the EOC-GPP link. These findings suggest that when managerial commitment to sustainability is strong, firms are more likely to pursue environmental initiatives independently rather than as a response to GPP requirements. Overall, the study highlights the nuanced roles of organisational culture, training and leadership vision in shaping SMEs' motivations for sustainable procurement. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on SMEs in Andalusia, which may limit generalisability to other regions or larger organisations. The reliance on self-reported cross-sectional data may also introduce response bias and prevent causal inference. Nonetheless, the findings extend the resource-based view by clarifying the distinct and interactive roles of culture, training and leadership in sustainability adoption. Future research should use longitudinal or comparative designs across regions and firm sizes to capture the evolving dynamics of GPP motivations. These insights highlight the complexity of internal drivers in sustainability strategies, providing a foundation for further theoretical and empirical work. Practical implications SME managers can strengthen GPP engagement by embedding pro-environmental values in their organisational culture and offering green training to employees. However, leadership vision must balance support with cultural empowerment, as excessive top-down emphasis may reduce the motivational role of organisational culture. Policymakers should design GPP frameworks that support SME-specific constraints, such as financial incentives for training programmes and simplified GPP requirements. Facilitating knowledge-sharing between SMEs and larger firms could further enhance capabilities. Overall, the findings provide practical guidance for both managers and regulators seeking to foster sustainable procurement practices among resource-constrained SMEs.Social implications By clarifying how internal drivers affect SMEs' adherence to GPP, this study highlights pathways to foster sustainability in organisations that form the backbone of regional economies. Greater SME engagement in GPP can accelerate the transition to greener supply chains, promote eco-innovation and create spillover effects that benefit communities through reduced environmental impacts and enhanced social responsibility. Encouraging SMEs to be proactive in sustainability supports broader societal goals such as climate change mitigation and circular economy advancement. This research therefore demonstrates how strengthening organisational drivers can contribute to both economic resilience and sustainable development. Originality/value This study provides one of the first empirical analyses of SMEs' motivation to adhere to GPP through the lens of internal organisational drivers. By integrating culture, training and leadership vision into a moderated mediation framework, it offers a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between collective and individual organisational factors. The findings reveal unexpected dynamics - such as the weakening role of culture under strong managerial vision - challenging assumptions in prior research. This contribution advances theory within the resource-based view and offers valuable, context-specific insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to increase SME participation in sustainable procurement.
PurposeThis study aims to explore which factors influence public procurement professionals' acceptance of Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in operational procurement tasks. While GenAI has potential to automate routine work, little is known about how procurement professionals experience its practical value, and under which conditions they accept it.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with municipal buyers and procurement consultants across two rounds (2024 and 2026). This two-round design captures shifts in perceptions as GenAI matured and organizational policies developed and confirms findings across a broader sample. Thematic analysis identified four key themes explaining GenAI acceptance.FindingsProfessionals view GenAI as helpful for administrative tasks, such as drafting tender documents and contracts. However, trust and human oversight are seen as essential: professionals want to retain responsibility for final decisions. Some worry that overreliance on GenAI may erode their critical thinking, particularly among newcomers. Professionals are experimenting on their own, but unclear policies, limited management support and regulatory uncertainty hold back broader acceptance. The second round revealed that while organizations provide approved tools, a gap persists between formal policy and actual practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on Dutch municipal procurement professionals and may not generalize to other countries or private sector contexts. Future research could test the identified factors quantitatively.Practical implicationsAcceptance goes beyond individual willingness. Procurement-specific training and clear guidelines can support responsible use and reduce administrative burdens without undermining professional judgment or public accountability.Social implicationsOverreliance on GenAI may weaken the critical judgment needed to protect public interests, particularly among younger professionals. Clear policies and targeted training are essential to ensure GenAI supports public accountability.Originality/valueThis two-round design shows that GenAI acceptance depends on trust, human control and organizational conditions (not just task fit and usefulness), offering new perspectives on GenAI implementation in the public sector.
PurposeThe infrastructure sector significantly influences economic growth and societal development. Procurement organization can therefore shape infrastructure procurement performance over both short and long time horizons. This study aims to examine how four structural variables, centralization (where procurement authority and responsibilities reside), specialization, participation and standardization, shape infrastructure procurement activities within public organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a qualitative multiple-case study of nine Finnish municipalities, using 19 semi-structured interviews with infrastructure procurement actors and analysis of municipal strategy documents. Interview data were coded abductively and compared across cases.FindingsThis study identifies distinct operational and strategic performance effects associated with structural choices in procurement organization. The findings reveal differences in the relevance of structural variables depending on whether operational or strategic goals are pursued. Centralization supports operational procurement process effectiveness (e.g. procedural support and consistency), but it is less consistently linked with strategic performance in infrastructure procurement. By contrast, standardization and participation are closely connected to strategic performance, particularly through life-cycle integration across planning, construction and maintenance. The findings also indicate that structural variables operate through interdependencies rather than in isolation.Social implicationsThe findings offer practical guidance to public infrastructure practitioners by highlighting the importance of structural design choices in procurement. Emphasizing strategic, life-cycle-oriented procurement can benefit public organizations, particularly within the infrastructure domain.Originality/valueResearch on procurement organization in local government has largely emphasized operational outcomes and centralization choices. This study distinguishes operational versus strategic performance effects of multiple structural variables in municipal infrastructure procurement and highlights participation as central to life-cycle-oriented procurement.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate public procurement efficiency in Armenia as a representative transition economy, with particular attention to its implications for sustainable social development. It addresses a critical paradox whereby extensive digitalization of procurement systems has not translated into commensurate efficiency gains, competition intensity or inclusiveness.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods research design is used, combining documentary analysis, international benchmarking of procurement performance indicators and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis is organized around a three-level governance framework encompassing procedural, organizational and policy dimensions of public procurement.FindingsThe results reveal that despite notable progress in e-procurement implementation, significant inefficiencies persist in time-to-award, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) participation and competitive outcomes. Comparative evidence from transition economies (Georgia and Ukraine) and international best-practice cases (South Korea and Brazil) demonstrates that digitalization alone is insufficient to enhance procurement efficiency in the absence of institutional capacity, regulatory coherence and human capital development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is subject to several limitations. First, the empirical analysis focuses primarily on Armenia, which may limit the generalizability of findings to other transition economies with different institutional contexts. Second, the interview sample size, while sufficient for qualitative saturation, remains limited. Future research could extend the analysis through larger cross-country data sets, longitudinal studies or econometric testing of the strategic procurement enhancement model (SPEM) framework. Despite these limitations, the study provides a robust analytical foundation for comparative research on procurement reform in transition economies.Practical implicationsThe study proposes the SPEM, a scalable and policy-oriented framework that integrates five mutually reinforcing components: process re-engineering to streamline procurement cycles; institutional capacity development through systematic training and professionalization; digital governance tools that enhance transparency while ensuring inclusiveness; regulatory coherence to eliminate fragmentation across agencies; and participatory stakeholder engagement to empower civil society and private sector oversight. The model provides actionable guidance for policymakers seeking to design procurement systems that simultaneously improve efficiency, transparency, inclusiveness and sustainable social development in transition economies.Social implicationsMore efficient and transparent public procurement systems have significant social implications for transition economies. By improving competition and reducing discretionary practices, procurement reform can strengthen public trust in government institutions and promote social accountability. Enhanced access for SMEs and regional suppliers supports inclusive economic participation and job creation. Through its emphasis on institutional capacity and stakeholder engagement, the proposed SPEM framework contributes to more equitable procurement outcomes and reinforces the role of public procurement as a tool for sustainable social development.Originality/valueThis paper advances the procurement literature by developing a holistic, context-sensitive model that bridges institutional economics, digital governance and public value theory. By linking empirical evidence with a strategic reform framework, the study offers practical solutions for governments pursuing sustainable and performance-oriented procurement reform.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the influence of public procurement contracts on firms' participation in global value chains (GVCs) in developing countries. It further investigates the mediating role of these contracts in alleviating financial barriers to global value chain participation.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses probit and recursive bivariate probit models to analyse cross-sectional data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES), covering 121 developing countries between 2008 and 2023.FindingsThe study finds that securing or attempting to secure a public procurement contract increases firms' participation in GVCs across developing countries. These findings are more pronounced for older and larger firms. The results also show that public procurement contracts alleviate the credit constraints that hinder firms' participation in GVCs. The findings were subjected to several robustness tests, including controlling for four business obstacles, using alternative measures of global value chain participation, using a two-step probit selection model and propensity score matching method, controlling for six regional dummies and using an alternative instrumental variable.Social implicationsFirst, governments in developing countries should allocate more money to buy from private firms. the findings on the interaction between government contracts and credit constraints suggest that governments should encourage the financial sector to accept using government contracts as collateral to lend to supplier firms. Public procurement contracts act as a certificate to signal the creditworthiness of supplier firms and reduce the information asymmetry about these firms (Dai et al., 2021). Public procurement contracts can be the only resort to be financially stable and overcome multiple market failures. The underdevelopment of the financial sector in developing countries is a severe problem that can be mitigated by the usage of government contracts as collateral to provide private firms with funds.Originality/valueThis study fills a gap in the literature by being the first to explore the relationship between public procurement contracts and participation in GVCs. No prior empirical studies have examined this relationship. Furthermore, it is the first to investigate how public procurement contracts mitigate the adverse effects of credit constraints on firms' participation in GVCs.
PurposeThis study aims to analyze the relationship between transparency in procurement processes and operational efficiency in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ecuador. By applying a multi-theoretical framework and a mixed-methods approach, the research explores how transparency practices influence organizational performance, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The study seeks to provide empirical evidence to support policy and managerial decisions aimed at improving accountability and effectiveness in nonprofit operations.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods design was used to examine the relationship between procurement transparency and operational efficiency in Ecuadorian NGOs. The quantitative component involved analyzing survey data from 370 NGOs using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured interviews with NGO stakeholders to gain insights into organizational practices and perceptions. The study is grounded in agency, stakeholder, stewardship and resource dependence theories, offering a robust theoretical lens. This triangulated approach ensures methodological rigor and contextual depth, aligning with the public procurement focus of developing economies.FindingsThe study finds a positive association between procurement transparency and operational efficiency in Ecuadorian NGOs. Quantitative analysis shows that NGOs with transparent procurement practices demonstrate higher efficiency in resource utilization and service delivery. Regression results highlight the influence of transparency on reducing administrative costs and enhancing stakeholder trust. Qualitative findings support the notion that donor expectations and internal governance mechanisms drive transparency efforts. However, smaller NGOs face challenges due to limited technical capacity. These results highlight the strategic importance of procurement transparency in enhancing NGO performance, particularly in contexts with limited institutional oversight.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to NGOs operating in Ecuador, which may constrain the generalizability of findings to other Latin American contexts with different regulatory or institutional environments. In addition, while the mixed-methods approach provides valuable insights, self-reported data may be subject to bias. The qualitative component is context-specific and may not capture broader sectoral dynamics. Future research could expand to comparative studies across countries or include longitudinal data to assess causal relationships over time. Despite these limitations, the findings offer practical implications for improving procurement governance and efficiency in resource-constrained nonprofit settings.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that enhancing transparency in procurement processes can significantly improve operational efficiency in NGOs, particularly in environments with limited oversight. Donors, NGO managers and policymakers should prioritize transparent procurement frameworks as a strategic tool to strengthen accountability and resource optimization. Training programs and simplified procurement protocols could help smaller NGOs overcome capacity limitations. The study underscores the need for integrating transparency mechanisms into organizational routines to foster trust, reduce costs and improve service delivery outcomes in the nonprofit sector. Social implicationsImproved procurement transparency in NGOs contributes to greater public trust and legitimacy, especially in communities affected by poverty and limited state presence. Transparent practices not only enhance service delivery but also empower beneficiaries by promoting accountability and participation. In the context of Ecuador, where NGOs often fill critical service gaps, strengthening procurement governance can lead to more equitable and efficient allocation of resources. These social benefits highlight the broader value of procurement reforms beyond administrative efficiency, reinforcing the role of NGOs as trusted actors in development and social cohesion.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study offers one of the first empirical analyses linking procurement transparency to operational efficiency within NGOs in a developing country context. By applying a multi-theoretical framework and a mixed-methods approach, it provides a nuanced understanding of how transparency mechanisms affect organizational performance. The research bridges a gap in public procurement literature by focusing on the nonprofit sector, which is often overlooked despite its critical role in service delivery. The findings offer actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to improve governance, accountability and effectiveness in Latin American NGOs' procurement processes.
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine perceptions held by direct and indirect stakeholders regarding the use of smart contracts through blockchain technology for public procurement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for this research was a questionnaire that was filled out by members of the public, potential users, government officials and those working with the technology as the use of smart contracts for public procurement in Dubai, UAE. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), which is used for the statistical evaluation of data. In addition, descriptive analysis, regression analysis, statistical significance and structural equation modelling analysis was used to create in depth analysis of the data.FindingsThe findings revealed that a significant positive influence could be found on behavioural intention where relative advantage, trialability, observability, perceived compatibility, perceived enjoyment and technology awareness were in place. However, factors such as complexity, perceived risk and perceived constraints from suppliers, regulations and business partners were found to apply a significant negative influence on the behavioural intention.Social implicationsIn terms of blockchain and smart contracts, social impact should be studied so that future design can reflect those areas in which the technology services individuals within the system. As a result, the gap in literature is focused on the way in which perceptions of users impact the efficiency of a system and the way in which the system can service those individuals who would use the process.Originality/valueThis research is important because it represents the level of acceptance that exists in terms of smart contracts and provides an understanding of how change may be resisted as public procurement is conducted through smart contracts. This study contributes to the literature in several different ways. An analysis of blockchain technology as it relates to performance and efficiency in public procurement within the UAE was found to support the theory that blockchain technology can enhance public projects at the governmental level. The perceptions of the disruptive qualities of the technology as examined through technological acceptance model, Technology-Organization-Environment and Innovation Diffusion Theory supported an understanding of the capabilities of users to adapt to the technology. In turn, recommendations concerning the transition and possibilities of smart contracts for the public procurement process was supported.
PurposeGovernment expenditures constitute a significant driver of the economy. Despite policy measures, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter more difficulties in qualifying for government contracts compared to large corporations. Literature shows mixed findings on obstacles, countermeasures and their effectiveness. This study aims to provide new insights and add nuance to the existing literature for scholars, while also contributing to fair and innovative procurement practices tailored to SMEs and government procurement officers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed both public procurement professionals and SME employees with experience in tendering processes.FindingsPublic purchasers exhibit a strong focus on legality, driven by a fear of errors and hampered by improper evaluation methods. They are reluctant to the parceling of tenders, although this practice could genuinely enhance opportunities for SMEs. Poor timing, unpredictability, overly tight scheduling and unattainable deadlines in public tenders emerge as significant obstacles for SMEs.Social implicationsThe authors aim to provide insights that could help shape policy measures and actionable strategies to alleviate barriers for SMEs, particularly in high-demand sectors such as the defense sector.Originality/valueBy addressing the perceived and actual obstacles, experienced by both sides of the public purchasing domain, the authors are trying to contribute to a better understanding of how public procurement practices can be improved to foster SME participation.
Purpose-This study aims to analyse sector-specific maturity in Finnish public organisations, including governmental, municipal and other public-sector organisations. The focus is on perceived importance and maturity of procurement covering procurement processes and agility. Design/methodology/approach-The Finnish Public Procurement Maturity Model (PMM) was used to compare sectors based on self-assessments of procurement importance and maturity across key capability areas. Survey data from Finnish public organisations (n = 184) were analysed using ANOVA to compare sectoral differences in perceived procurement importance and maturity. Findings-Municipalities and other public organisations prioritise procurement development more than central government, especially innovative procurement and sustainability. Maturity differences are smaller and mainly structural, as the central government shows higher maturity in core processes. Overall, innovative procurement remains low in maturity, exposing a persistent importance-maturity gap. Research limitations/implications-The study relies on self-assessed survey data and may therefore reflect some subjective perceptions. Future research should use longitudinal approach to assess maturity changes and build international settings for generalisability. Practical implications-The results guide targeted improvements and help policymakers focus system-level support on areas where innovation and sustainability are prioritised but not yet embedded in mature routines. The findings also show that many organisations recognise emerging priorities but their routines remain underdeveloped. Social implications-Procurement maturity improves transparency and accountability. By highlighting agility-and collaboration capability gaps, the study supports more responsive procurement practices that enhance public value. Originality/value-The study offers national-level evidence on sectoral differences in public procurement maturity in Finland. By focusing on importance-maturity gaps, the study shows a mismatch between priorities and practice, and highlights the need for support in benchmarking, organisational development and policy design.
PurposeThis study aims to explore how municipalities incorporate circular requirements into construction project procurement processes. The aim is to identify practical strategies that support circular implementation in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach based on a case study and semi-structured interviews with Swedish public purchasers, the research moves from a complex landscape of barriers to circular public procurement to identify actionable practices to overcome them.FindingsThe findings show that while the implementation of circular public procurement for construction projects remains in its infancy in Sweden, municipalities are starting to adopt strategies to align procurement practices with circular principles. These strategies include internal alignment, education and training activities, stronger dialogue and collaboration networks and clear formulation of the circular requirements while keeping adherence to legal principles. Findings underscore the pivotal role of procurement departments in translating environmental goals into actionable procedures and the importance of strategic, context-specific approaches in project-based construction settings.Social implicationsIt offers transferable insights for municipalities operating within similar procurement frameworks and expands the discussion on how public authorities can function as drivers of institutional innovation for sustainable urban development.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing literature on the circular economy in the construction sector, focusing on the implications of this implementation on public procurement processes, a high-impact but underexplored research area.
Purpose This study aims to provide an empirical analysis of bid protest outcomes to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify which protest types, firm characteristics and contract features predict success in federal procurement disputes. The authors address a significant gap in the literature, which has focused primarily on protest initiation rather than success determinants across different firm sizes and protest categories. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyze 2,825 GAO decisions between 2019 and 2023, using logistic regression models to test three hypotheses regarding firm size effects, solicitation protests and evaluation challenges. The models control for agency type, contract features and contractor characteristics to isolate key success predictors. Findings Success rates varied significantly across agencies (1%–13%) and protest types. Procedural protests, especially those targeting solicitation terms, were most likely to succeed, while protests challenging evaluation decisions showed mixed results. Disadvantaged firms faced significantly lower success rates, supporting the size hypothesis. Technical evaluations substantially reduced success likelihood, and exclusion-based protests were particularly unsuccessful. Social implications These findings can help in the design and execution of a more efficient government contracting process which will result in cost savings and the improved delivery of public services. Originality/value The findings challenge assumptions about protest effectiveness and provide actionable insights for contractors, policymakers and procurement professionals. The findings offer insights for both contractors and awarding agencies from an empirical analysis conditioned on actual filing.
