Empowering SMEs: navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in global development bank procurements

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Abstract
This paper delves into the dynamics of Italian companies' participation in international public procurement, with a primary focus on contracts awarded by the World Bank (WB). Italian firms have historically engaged in competitive global procurement markets, and understanding their performance within this context holds significant policy and economic implications. The paper commences with an exploration of the essential aspects of international public procurement, emphasizing the significance of winning contracts funded by the World Bank. It elucidates the multifaceted nature of procurement processes, highlighting their role in promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and innovation. The historical trends in Italian firms' participation in World Bank contracts are examined, revealing fluctuations in both the number and value of contracts awarded over the past two decades. Policy measures and global economic conditions have influenced these trends, impacting Italy's share in the procurement landscape. Comparative analyses are conducted to assess Italian firms' performance in the broader context of G7 and European Union (EU) countries. Within the EU, a detailed examination of Italian, French, German, and Spanish companies' participation in procurement contracts reveals distinct national trends. The study scrutinizes company-level characteristics and market concentration dynamics, employing the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to gauge market concentration. Furthermore, statistical analyses reveal significant differences in economic and innovation variables between Italian and French companies. The paper concludes by underlining the importance of analyzing participation in international public procurement, emphasizing its potential for economic growth, innovation, and global expansion. It calls for strategic policies and collaboration to enhance Italy's position in the international procurement landscape. JEL Classification F23 · H57 · O10

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