System Change in Slovenia
Making Public Procurement More Effective
This report uses systems thinking tools to address pervasive problems in Slovenia's procurement system that the government has struggled to remedy through traditional regulatory means. The report outlines how room for innovation can be created within highly regulated policy domains and how governments can systematically benefit from it. Systems thinking allows for a new understanding of the role of procurement. The report explores potential reforms that could be designed from the bottom-up, to address specific behavioural and structural barriers – such as public perception, risk aversion, accountability and control functions – that cannot be addressed using only a legalistic approach.
Executive summary
In order to respond effectively to cross-cutting problems and provide interconnected services to citizens, governments must transform their approach to increasingly complex issues. In the public procurement system of Slovenia, transformation means creating culturally and behaviourally informed procurement strategies that allow for the exploration of new and innovative procurement processes. This will enable the development of a more responsive and effective public procurement system.