Assessing Digital Transformation Dynamics: A Network Science Analysis of Government ICT Procurement in Pre- and Post-covid-19 Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered unprecedented disruptions within government procurement systems, necessitating an examination of evolving procurement behavior in the Philippine Government. This study employs network science principles to explore the intricate web of bids and awards networks involving government entities and external stakeholders. Through the lens of complex systems theory, we uncover core characteristics such as autonomous agents, non-equilibrium operation, self-organization, emergence, attractors of meaning, and sensitivity to initial conditions that underpin the procurement process. Our research employs community detection techniques to unveil hidden structures and relationships within this intricate system by identifying network clusters or groups. Utilizing quantitative analysis and data from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), we focus on information and communications technology (ICT) procurement behavior before and after the pandemic. This study is expected to reveal specific changes and patterns within the top 5 communities, shedding light on the shifting landscape of government procurement amid a global crisis. By applying a network science approach within a comprehensive theoretical framework, our research aims to contribute valuable insights into the complexities of public administration and complex systems, potentially informing policy decisions and improving procurement processes, ensuring greater resilience in the face of global crises.