Dr. Paul Davis

I am a lecturer at Dublin City University Business School, specialising in public procurement, supply chain management and strategy, with a particular interest in how governments and organisations can build more resilient, innovative and effective systems.

I am Academic Chair of the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Public Procurement at DCU Business School, designed to develop the strategic, commercial and leadership capabilities required by procurement professionals working in increasingly complex environments.

In September 2026, I commenced a Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, focusing on Ireland’s supply chain resilience. My work brings together research, policy and industry perspectives to examine critical supply chains, strategic dependencies and the role of government in strengthening economic resilience.

I also contribute to European-level policy, including membership of a European Commission expert group examining artificial intelligence and contracting. My wider research interests include strategic public procurement, public-private partnerships, procurement governance, sustainable supply chains, innovation and emerging technologies.

A consistent theme across my work is that procurement is much more than compliance or purchasing. How organisations buy, contract, allocate risk and manage suppliers can shape markets, encourage innovation, support sustainability and determine whether public policy delivers its intended outcomes.

Alongside academia and public policy, I have entrepreneurial and consulting experience. I founded Nephin Whiskey Distillery in Lahardaun, County Mayo, providing a practical perspective on entrepreneurship, local enterprise and the realities of building and managing supply chains.

I have published books and research on procurement, supply chains and sustainability and regularly contribute to public discussion on procurement, infrastructure, governance and public-sector performance.

My professional philosophy is simple: progress rarely comes from accepting that existing systems are simply the way things have to be. Research should challenge assumptions, identify what can work better and contribute to better decisions in practice.

I am available for keynote speeches, conference presentations, executive education and media commentary.