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Enablers and Barriers of Sustainability for Small Public Purchases

Author

Listed:
  • Fredo Schotanus

    (Department of Economics, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Cees J. Gelderman

    (Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • René Jupijn

    (Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, 1703 Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability of small public purchases, a largely overlooked area despite its substantial aggregate volume and legal flexibility compared to large purchases. We aim to understand if the sustainability potential in small public purchases is utilized and how it can be leveraged, providing insights into the dynamics of small purchases and offering practical guidance for policy and organizational change. Through case studies of five Dutch water authorities, incorporating interviews and document analyses, we examine internal and external factors that may inhibit or promote sustainability in small purchases. The findings indicate that sustainability currently plays a limited role in small purchases. Contrary to previous research, external factors do not drive sustainability in small purchases, as the focus remains on large purchases. All internal factors studied are perceived as barriers to achieving sustainable small purchases. We discuss that the external factor of “legal requirements” holds the most untapped potential to become a driver for sustainable small purchases. Additionally, we highlight “accountability” as an important internal factor, suggesting that improved accountability could lead to greater resources, higher risk tolerance, and increased organizational attention. Finally, we suggest that promoting sustainability in small purchases requires addressing underlying challenges, including its limited visibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Fredo Schotanus & Cees J. Gelderman & René Jupijn, 2024. "Enablers and Barriers of Sustainability for Small Public Purchases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:10109-:d:1524734
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Navarani Vejaratnam & Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad & Santha Chenayah, 2020. "A systematic review of barriers impeding the implementation of government green procurement," Journal of Public Procurement, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(4), pages 451-471, October.
    2. Christy Smith & Jessica Terman, 2016. "Overcoming the barriers to green procurement in the county: Interest groups and administrative professionalism," Journal of Public Procurement, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 16(3), pages 259-285, March.
    3. Jolien Grandia, 2015. "The role of change agents in sustainable public procurement projects," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(2), pages 119-126, March.
    4. Cees J. Gelderman & Janjaap Semeijn & Frank Bouma, 2015. "Implementing sustainability in public procurement: The limited role of procurement managers and party-political executives," Journal of Public Procurement, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 15(1), pages 66-92, March.
    5. Cees J. Gelderman & Janjaap Semeijn & Rob Vluggen, 2017. "Development of sustainability in public sector procurement," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), pages 435-442, September.
    6. Joey Gormly, 2014. "What are the challenges to sustainable procurement in commercial semi-state bodies in ireland?," Journal of Public Procurement, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 14(3), pages 395-445, March.
    7. Chunling Yu & Toru Morotomi & Haiping Yu, 2020. "What Influences Adoption of Green Award Criteria in a Public Contract? An Empirical Analysis of 2018 European Public Procurement Contract Award Notices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-20, February.
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