Network Analysis of PPE Procurement Avenues in the UK During the Early Stages of COVID-19

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Abstract

The shortcomings of the UK government during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have been much discussed in the media, however, thus far there has been a distinct lack of academic analysis of the underlying factors allowing for this. This research specifically aims to understand the social network aspects which allowed for the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts that did not have to undergo proper tendering procedures. The different avenues of COVID procurement are examined in their structure and usage. Simultaneously, key actors and their associates are identified to uncover the social structure coinciding with existing procurement processes and gaps therein to understand the interconnection between the two and explain how this systematic failure was facilitated through pre-existing conditions.

Author

• Ezra Lampesberger, University of Manchester