A recent webinar organized by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law examined challenges and new developments in public procurement. Drawing on experiences from Qatar and jurisdictions around the world, the discussion highlighted how the public procurement process can be used strategically to encourage innovation in the public sector.

The presentations, which followed an introduction by the College of Law’s Dean Susan L. Karamanian, were internationally oriented with a dynamic group of speakers that included government leaders, technical experts, and legal academics. The speakers focused on how public procurement (when done in an efficient and transparent way) can serve secondary policy objectives and lead to enhanced productivity and improved public services. 

Bringing a wealth of experience to the talk, Professor Steven L. Schooner, the Nash and Cibinic Professor of Government Procurement Law at the George Washington University Law School, and Ioannis Petrou, Procurement Complaints Officer, European Investment Bank, analyzed the issues from a comparative perspective with a focus on legislative frameworks and developments in their respective jurisdictions. Eman Al Kuwari, Head of Emerging Technology at Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, discussed digital approaches - including e-procurement and procedures for small and medium enterprises - to participate in public sector tenders, as well as the government’s use of prototypes. The session provided insight into the relationships between legal, ethical, and professional standards, as well as best practice in public procurement.

Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Law and Founder of the Law and Tech Talk Series, moderated the event and an interactive Q-and-A session. The series focuses on innovation and technical advancements taking place in Qatar, the region, and internationally, as well as how they impact the law. 

“The Law and Tech Talks reflect our research and teaching philosophy at HBKU’s College of Law and aim at addressing contemporary legal issues, such as these relating to new and digital technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, with a deep understanding of their social foundations and prospects,” Dr. Dimitropoulos said. 

The most recent series talk examined the legal implications of art generated through artificial intelligence by Education City artists.

Dean Susan Karamanian said: “We aimed through our discussion to combine the knowledge of practitioners and academics and shed light on the potentially broader and deeper role that public procurement can serve. In keeping with the College of Law’s aim to be societally relevant in our research and teaching, we believe that such discussions highlight best practices that can help public sector professionals take a proactive approach to innovation in the field.”

The deadline for Qatari nationals and residents who wish to apply to one of the College of Law’s programs is March 15, 2022.