*By José Esteves
The adoption of Digital Transformation (DT) in public procurement represents a crucial evolution for the efficiency and transparency of these processes in the context of Brazilian public administration. In this section, we will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize specific aspects of public procurement, whenever possible with an emphasis on practical cases and concrete examples, in order to bring its practical application as close as possible.
Figure 1 – Decision flowchart for public innovation contracts in Brazil
The implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the public procurement process in Brazil, for example, has stimulated reflection among managers – both in the private sector and in governments, in order to identify those that could be classified as significant opportunities to improve efficiency, not just formal bidding processes, but also the implementation of public policies, and the transparency that should govern these environments.
We understand that technology companies, for example, start to play an essential role in this scenario, not only with regard to the development of their innovative solutions for public management, but also by collaborating with the training and adaptation of public bodies to this new digital era in government procurement. We identified some of these possibilities, taking as a reference the enabling of specific environments:
- Efficiency and Agility: The Brazilian startup DocuSign, for example, implements PLN solutions to speed up document verification, reducing the time needed for the qualification phase.
- Transparency and Security: the startup OriginalMy, for example, can be considered a pioneer, and has worked on projects that use blockchain to guarantee integrity and transparency in bidding processes.
- The Development of Specific Solutions: Companies like SML Brasil – now going by the name of Zeev, have invested in the development of specific solutions that meet the requirements of the new legal framework. Its systems integrate AI, for example, to automate processes and ensure compliance with current regulations.
- Topics focused on Human Resources, Training and Training: Companies like Senior Systems, which offer not only technological solutions, but also technical support and training services to ensure the effective implementation of their tools in the different public institutions that qualify for contracting their services.
Digital Transformation, as we can see in these practical examples, has redefined paradigms in several sectors, and public procurement is no different. As we explore some of the impacts of digitalization in this scenario, we address challenges, opportunities and practical examples that illustrate how technology is shaping efficiency and transparency in government procurement processes in Brazil.
The role of technology companies in public procurement, including software developers, goes beyond offering technological solutions: It represents the possibility of improving a strategic partnership for the modernization and efficiency of government processes.
Scholars and researchers on the topic of public procurement must also move in this direction.
José Luiz Esteves, DBA is a post-doctor in Innovation for Organizational Sustainability at PPAD/PUC-PR; professor of MBAs in Management and Innovation at PUC-PR; researcher at Think Tank ABES and CEO of Edtech Exponentialis Educação 4.0. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Association.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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