Socially driven procurement in Romania: how reserved contracts shape competition in public procurement

Drd. Denisa-Maria CHERECHEŞ

Drd. Iulia-Maria RUS

ABSTRACT

Reserved contracts have emerged as a mechanism for achieving social goals within public procurement. Yet, questions remain about their legal use and influence on market competition. This paper examines how these contracts - often designed for social enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or disability-inclusive organizations - affect the competitive landscape. The paper assesses how reserved contracts impact bidder participation in public procurement by focusing on data on Romania’s reserved contracts.

Keywords: public procurement, reserved contracts, competition, social inclusion.

REZUMAT

Contractele rezervate au apărut ca mecanism pentru atingerea obiectivelor sociale în cadrul achiziţiilor publice. Totuşi, există întrebări cu privire la utilizarea lor legală şi influenţa asupra concurenţei pe piaţă. Acest articol examinează modul...