Evaluating the Impact of the Swedish Public Procurement Act on the Construction Sector

Abstract

The Swedish construction sector has historically faced challenges in productivity, with stagnant or declining rates over the years. The procurement process plays a crucial role in determining a project outcome, including cost variations, quality standards, and operational efficiency. Understanding how the Swedish Public Procurement Act influences these factors for both clients and contractors is essential for improving project delivery and overall sector performance. The study aims to uncover factors influencing the public procurement process and their implications on project outcomes through a detailed analysis of clients’ and contractors’ perspectives. Through 14 qualitative interviews with various contractors and public clients, the thesis applies an abductive research approach and presents a thorough analysis of the impacts of the Public Procurement Act on construction projects. The findings highlight the importance of clear and detailed bid documents in the procurement process, emphasizing the need for transparency and adequate preparation time to ensure successful project outcomes. By exploring the advantages and disadvantages of the Swedish Public Procurement Act in a construction context, the study offers valuable insights into the complexities of public procurement practices in the construction sector. The thesis contributes to the existing knowledge of public procurement strategies in the Swedish construction sector and offers recommendations for improving procurement practices to enhance project delivery.