The Challenges of Public Procurement Reforms

Public procurement affects a substantial share of world trade flows, amounting to 1000 billion euros per year. This book focuses on the new European Union Directives approved in 2014 by the EU Parliament. It consists of original contributions related to four specific themes of interest to procurers: life-cycle costing, calculating costs and savings, corruption and probity, and public procurement and international trade agreements. The introductory exchange between leading academics and practitioners offers a series of sequential interactions between economists, lawyers, and technical experts to enrich the debate and improve mutual understanding.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Public procurement plays a significant role in global trade, accounting for a substantial portion of world trade flows, reaching an estimated annual value of 1000 billion euros. In the European Union (EU), public purchasing of works, goods, and services contributes on average to 16 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). This book stands out as a unique offering, primarily because it concentrates on the recently approved European Union Directives by the EU Parliament in 2014.

The book comprises original contributions covering four key themes that are of utmost importance to procurers in modern public purchasing organizations, including economists and lawyers. These themes allow for meaningful discussions and real-time interactions, fostering valuable exchanges of ideas. The four sections that comprise the book are:

Life-cycle Costing in Public Procurement: This section explores the concept of life-cycle costing in public procurement, including its application, benefits, and challenges. It examines the various cost elements involved in public procurement processes and provides insights into cost estimation methodologies and techniques.

Calculating Costs and Savings of Public Procurement: This section focuses on calculating the costs and savings associated with public procurement. It discusses the methods used to evaluate the financial impact of public procurement decisions, such as cost-benefit analysis, life-cycle cost analysis, and value for money analysis. It also explores the potential for cost savings through efficiency improvements, supplier negotiation, and contract management.

Corruption and Probity in Public Procurement: This section examines the issue of corruption and probity in public procurement. It explores the risks and challenges associated with corruption, including bribery, fraud, and abuse of power. It provides practical strategies and measures to prevent and detect corruption in public procurement processes, such as transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption policies.

Public Procurement and International Trade Agreements: This section examines the relationship between public procurement and international trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). It discusses the implications of these agreements on public procurement practices, including the rules of origin, competition, and intellectual property protection. It also analyzes the potential benefits and challenges of international trade agreements for public procurement.

The book's original format features an introductory exchange between leading academics and practitioners from diverse disciplines. This exchange serves as a platform for initiating discussions and enhancing the liveliness of the debate. It facilitates sequential interactions between economists, lawyers, and technical experts, who complement each other's expertise, thereby enriching the discourse and fostering mutual understanding among various professions.

This comprehensive guide is of interest to policymakers, academics, students, and researchers, as well as practitioners engaged in EU public procurement. It provides valuable insights and practical guidance on the latest developments and challenges in public procurement, enabling professionals to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of public purchasing.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367543228