Foreword

Across OECD countries, public procurement of goods, services and infrastructures accounts for around 12% of gross domestic product (GDP), playing an important role in driving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, including supporting the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Subnational governments, including cities, carry out over 60% of total public procurement in OECD countries.

Based on acquired evidence and international best practices in OECD member and partner countries, this report summarises the outcomes from a 17-month long policy dialogue between the OECD and the city of Bratislava. It provides cross-cutting analysis and policy recommendations on the drivers, bottlenecks and opportunities for the city’s strategic use of public procurement. The report includes a specific focus on the design of the procurement strategy of Bratislava’s street lighting system and provides methodological guidance on the analysis of needs, market engagement and tender design.

This report underlines that public procurement offers a strategic tool for cities not only to serve the needs of citizens but also to boost innovation, competitiveness, productivity and resilience, drive an inclusive recovery and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The tailored findings and policy recommendations for Bratislava can inspire other cities to adopt more efficient procurement processes, engage more closely with industry for purchasing innovative and sustainable solutions, and strive for greater efficiency in national public procurement systems.

The final report was approved via written procedure by the Regional Development Policy Committee (RDPC) and the Public Governance Committee (PGC) on 4 November 2021 under the cote COM/CFE/RDPC/GOV/PGC(2021)3.