Influence of institutional forms of interaction on transaction costs in public institutions

In the context of increasing complexity of administrative procedures and the digital transformation of public administration systems, transaction costs arising in inter‐organizational interaction are becoming critically significant. Aim. To analyze the impact of institutional forms of interaction on transaction costs in public sector organizations and to develop proposals for their reduction. Methodology. The article applies methodological tools from classical management theory, including systems, process, and institutional approaches. The empirical part is based on an analysis of over 1000 procurement procedures carried out at a university under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. Results. The study reveals that rigid and overly formalized institutional forms – such as hierarchical governance and contract‐based procurement under Federal Law no. 223‐FZ – contribute to increased time and resource expenditures. Key sources of transaction costs include multi‐tiered document approvals, repeated procurement postings, weak interdepartmental coordination, and excessive formalization of processes. The proposed optimization measures include standardization of internal regulations, delegation of authority, digitalization of procedures, and enhancement of interagency cooperation. The findings emphasize the need to revise existing organizational and managerial models to improve the effectiveness of public administration and reduce transaction losses.