New development: Shifting towards relational governance in the procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic

The outbreak of COVID-19 put healthcare institutions under enormous pressure to quickly procure medical supplies, such as surgical masks and disinfectants. Under pressure of the crisis procurers had to rely on relational governance (e.g., trust) rather than contractual agreements. This gives rise to various governance issues. By combining insights from public administration, crisis management, and purchasing and supply management we address this new development and discuss its effect on the future of public procurement.