Technology spending and the effects of the pandemic on the efficiency of federal institutes

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of technology expenditures and the COVID-19 pandemic on the efficiency of Federal Institutes of Education, Science, and Technology between 2018 and 2021. It hypothesizes that targeted technology investments can enhance institutional productivity, particularly during health crises. Methodology: This quantitative research utilizes secondary data from 38 federal institutes. Efficiency was assessed using the nonparametric data envelopment analysis technique, supplemented by the Malmquist index to evaluate productivity over time and by the Tobit regression model to identify statistically significant factors. The sample comprises 107 observations spanning from 2018 to 2021. Results: Five institutes maintained their positions on the efficiency frontier throughout the period under study, while most fluctuated in efficiency due to external shocks and managerial capacity. The Malmquist index indicated productivity improvements in some institutes, albeit with limited technological advancement. The hypotheses concerning the positive effects of technology expenditures and the pandemic on efficiency were not statistically supported. Contributions of the study: This study fills a theoretical gap by linking technology and institutional efficiency in crisis contexts. In practice, it offers public managers guidance on revisiting technology resource-allocation strategies, recognizing best practices, and enhancing institutional crisis-response capabilities. The findings also underscore the necessity of regular efficiency evaluations to inform strategic decision-making within the federal professional education network.