Public Procurement: Focus on People, Value for Money and Systemic Integrity, Not Protectionism
THE COLLAPSE OF GLOBAL TRADE, MURKY PROTECTIONISM, AND THE CRISIS: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE G20, Chapter 17, Richard Baldwin and Simon Evenett, eds., A VoxEU.org Publication
7 Pages Posted: 11 Mar 2009
Date Written: March 9, 2009
Abstract
The authors assert that, in the face of severe economic challenges, efficient and effective public purchasing is critical. Governments should focus on obtaining the greatest possible value for money expended and minimizing corruption, while eschewing counter-productive and inefficient protectionist constraints on procurement regimes. Stimulus investments in strengthening the acquisition workforce - the officials responsible for spending the government's money honestly and consistent with sound, business-based, transparent practices - will pay both short- and long-term dividends.
Keywords: public procurement, government contracts, World Trade Organization, Government Procurement Agreement, acquisition workforce, stimulus, protectionism, Buy American
JEL Classification: F13, K23, K33, H57
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation