Network analysis for detecting domestic preferences in EU public procurement: enhancing market transparency and competitiveness

Purpose This study applies network analysis to assess geographic preferences in EU public procurement, aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency and competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach Using data from the pacemakers’ public procurement market (2009–2019), we applied assortativity metrics to evaluate the tendency of contracting authorities and companies to engage with geographically similar partners. Findings Results reveal a pronounced preference among contracting authorities for awarding contracts to domestic companies, challenging the EU’s goal of a fully competitive internal market. The analysis highlights persistent national preferences, indicating systematic domestic biases in EU procurement. Research limitations/implications While this study focuses on a specific sector, future research could extend this methodology to other industries and regions to further validate its robustness. Practical implications The proposed network analysis method offers public sector managers and policymakers a real-time tool to detect and address noncompetitive procurement behaviors, supporting transparency, fair competition and efficient resource allocation across the EU’s public procurement landscape. Originality/value This research contributes to public sector management literature by providing a framework that combines network analysis with public procurement data, enabling the detection of potential “red flags” of noncompetitive behaviors for further investigation. This method captures the evolution of these conditions, allowing policymakers to track patterns at the level of individual nodes (contracting authorities or companies). By identifying areas needing intervention and monitoring shifts in market behavior, this approach fosters transparency and enhances public sector management efficiency, aligning with EU objectives for a fair and competitive internal market.