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Using Intelligent Agents to Enhance Gender Inclusion in Ecuador's Public Procurement System

Abstract:

The use of digital data in organizations is increasing, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of automating services for social and economic development. Although automation has enabled greater access to data, its use faces barriers due to a lack of knowledge on how to turn it into value through analytics and visualization. In the public sector, it is essential to involve the society in the use of data and promote the right to access information. To this end, open data web portals and citizen service mechanisms have been created. However, challenges persist, especially with regard to the inclusion of vulnerable sectors, such as companies led by women in public procurement processes. Despite regulations that promote equity and inclusion, many women still face barriers due to a lack of knowledge and skills. Ecuador has implemented open data and public procurement portals, although access to information needs to be improved. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence in public procurement is being discussed, which could improve decision making and inclusion, as long as its use is ethical and promotes equity. The research consists of three stages: analysis of regulations on public procurement and gender, discussion with female leaders of solidarity enterprises about the obstacles they face in their participation, and design of a machine learning prototype to facilitate their inclusion in procurement processes.