Can addressing asymmetrical information gaps be an approach towards sustainable public procurement : A qualitative case study of Swedish public procurements

Abstract: Asymmetrical information gaps perceived by procurers creates barriers when introducing sustainability in public procurement. The prerequisite for addressing these have therefore been studied. The asymmetrical information gap perceived by the procurer has been studied from the perspective of contract theory, since procurements can be regarded as a contract between two parties. To study this, five functional-oriented public procurements with different sustainability demands and needs have been studied. The approach of the study has been of qualitative nature and was conducted through interviews. The interviews revealed that the use of dialogues was perceived as a good way of reducing the asymmetrical information gap. However, it was experienced as time consuming. The use of incentives proved to be a more situational solution, it cannot solely reduce the information asymmetric gap perceived by the procurer. It also emerged that the dialogue process could be regarded as a form of market incentive. Hence, the need for a more time-efficient approach for the dialogue processes when using functional oriented public procurements. Such a model has been compiled based on the information from the interviews. The purpose of the model is to increase the prerequisites for sustainability in public procurement by addressing the asymmetrical information perceived by the procurer.