Reengineering trust: E-public procurement and government transparency

Abstract

This paper examines how digital technologies, particularly e-procurement, can strengthen governance in public procurement by promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and fair competition while reducing opportunities for corruption and monopolistic practices. Given the increasing reliance on digital public administration, the study highlights the growing importance of e-procurement as a legal and institutional mechanism for enhancing public sector efficiency and reinforcing the rule of law. Using a descriptive-explanatory approach, the paper analyzes relevant legal scholarship, empirical studies, and reports from international organizations, including the World Bank (Liu et al., 2011), to assess the role and effectiveness of e-procurement systems. The findings demonstrate that e-procurement significantly reduces direct interactions between public officials and private contractors, thereby limiting opportunities for corrupt practices and strengthening procurement integrity. However, the study also identifies key challenges that may undermine its effectiveness, including inadequate technological infrastructure, institutional capacity constraints, and resistance to organizational change. The paper argues that while e-procurement is an essential instrument for promoting transparent and accountable public procurement, its success ultimately depends on addressing these structural and institutional barriers. The study contributes to the ongoing legal and policy debate on digital governance by providing insights that can support policymakers and public institutions in developing more effective and resilient procurement systems.