ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM: INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS AND INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES

This article investigates how institutional design, competitive conditions, procurement professionalism, contract management, and strategic purchasing influence the efficiency of the public procurement system in Uzbekistan. Rather than treating digitalization as the primary focus of analysis, the study examines it as an enabling component within a broader performance management framework. The research combines legal and institutional analysis, comparative benchmarking of the Republic of Korea, Chile, and the European Union, an analysis of Uzbekistan's 2025 baseline indicators and 2030 policy targets, and a performance-oriented evaluation framework. The study identifies four mutually reinforcing drivers of efficiency: effective competition and market access; value for money and comprehensive contract management throughout the procurement cycle; professional capacity, integrity, and accountability; and strategic and sustainable procurement. On this basis, a Public Procurement Efficiency Index (PPEI) and a key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard are proposed to link pre-award competition with post-award delivery, cost control, and strategic outcomes. The analysis concludes that sustainable efficiency improvements require stronger market design, greater professionalization, disciplined contract execution, and systematic performance evaluation, supported—but not replaced—by digital infrastructure.