Analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on collusion detection at the Gad of Cuenca
Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, collusion detection, public procurement, Decentralized Autonomous Government of Cuenca, qualitative study, institutional trust.Abstract
Introduction: This research aimed to analyze the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the detection of collusive practices in public procurement processes of the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Cuenca, Ecuador, within the framework of the Organic Law of the National Public Procurement System and its regulations. A qualitative study was developed with an exploratory-descriptive scope and a non-experimental cross-sectional design, applying structured surveys with a Likert scale to 32 participants distributed in three groups: GAD officials from Cuenca (12), external specialists in public procurement (11), and frequent suppliers (9). The results show a shared diagnosis regarding the weaknesses of the current collusion detection system, characterized by low efficiency (average 1.92), limited transparency (2.44), and insufficient technical capabilities (2.58). Simultaneously, there is a cross-cutting consensus regarding the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, especially in dimensions such as transparency (4.73), objectivity in decision-making (4.08), and competitiveness (4.67). Specialists identified data quality and standardization (4.27) and the need for gradual implementation (4.36, with absolute consensus) as critical success factors. However, the weakest link detected was trust in the impartiality with which algorithmically generated alerts would be investigated (3.82), as well as concern about possible entry barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (4.11). It is concluded that artificial intelligence constitutes a tool with high transformative potential for local public procurement, but its effective implementation requires a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation with regulatory strengthening, capacity development, organizational change management, independent oversight mechanisms, and inclusion policies that guarantee equity and legitimacy throughout the process.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Diego Lennin Chamorro Yugcha, Lauro Patricio Rivera Fajardo, Acelia Fiorella Rossi Trigoso, Glen Freddy Robayo Cabrera

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