CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2025
| Author | Gunarova, Gabriella |
|---|---|
| Title | WHAT DRIVES COST EFFICIENCY? EVIDENCE FROM SLOVAK PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: Analysing contractual, institutional, and political determinants of procurement savings (2009-2023) |
| Summary | This thesis investigates the key determinants of cost efficiency in Slovak public procurement, focusing on the probability and the extent of savings. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of procurement contracts awarded between 2009 and 2023, the analysis explores how endogenous factors (e.g. bidder count, procurement type, procurement type, funding source) and exogenous factors (institutional quality, corruption risk, election timing) influence procurement outcomes. Methodologically, this thesis combines machine learning (random forest) with traditional econometric models (logit and OLS regression). The results show that procurement efficiency is driven by a complex interplay of factors. Framework agreements substantially reduce the probability of savings, while high institutional quality and EU funding increase it. The number of bidders emerges as the most important predictor of the extent of savings, although the effect is non-linear. This thesis contributes to the literature by integrating both endogenous and exogenous determinants into the analysis of Slovak public procurement and underscores the need for enhancing real competition, reducing administrative complexity, yet promoting transparent procurement practices. |
| Supervisor | Mihaly Fazekas |
| Department | Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2025/gunarova_gabriella.pdf |
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