Title: E-procurement in public sector: a global overview

Authors: Cevdet Bulut; Benjamin P-C. Yen

Addresses: The Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China ' School of Business, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract: This paper provides a global overview of both recent developments and current initiatives in public e-procurement. The Hong Kong Government's E-Procurement Pilot Programme will serve as a case study that will be discussed using a descriptive case study approach. A qualitative methodology is employed with findings that indicate that the development of public e-procurement is a matter of perception rather than other factors such as ITC infrastructure availability. E-procurement is under-utilised in the public sector, where the majority of implemented systems are in the form of e-journal and e-tendering solutions. Concurrently, the findings also point to a growing trend in cross-border initiatives within public sectors where e-procurement is the driving force. The case study results suggest that the Hong Kong Government's initiative is successful especially in terms of political support, adaptation of suppliers and system design. This paper provides valuable insight into the potential role of public e-procurement initiatives.

Keywords: e-government; electronic procurement; e-procurement; public procurement; case study; e-tendering; e-catalogues; e-marketplace; electronic government; electronic tendering; electronic catalogues; electronic marketplace; Hong Kong; cross-border initiatives; political support; supplier adaptation; system design.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2013.052601

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2013 Vol.10 No.2, pp.189 - 210

Published online: 21 Mar 2013 *

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