Global Drivers and Barriers to Sustainable Public Procurement: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Abstract
Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 12.7 by integrating social, economic, and environmental considerations into public procurement policies. Although research on SPP continues to grow, existing studies remain fragmented regarding how drivers, barriers, and implementation strategies operate across diverse national and institutional contexts. This study synthesizes global evidence on the factors facilitating or hindering SPP implementation and identifies strategies to enhance its effectiveness. A systematic literature review following PRISMA protocols and a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer were conducted on 69 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database. The review identified 244 drivers, 121 barriers, and implementation strategies. Drivers were classified into four categories: political will and policy mandates; stakeholder engagement; financial incentives and cost-benefit considerations; and organizational culture and leadership. Barriers were grouped into institutional, technical, and behavioral dimensions, with institutional constraints being the most dominant. Frequently proposed strategies include capacity building, evaluation and accountability mechanisms, institutional and governance reforms, inclusive and socially oriented procurement, and technology-based approaches. Findings also indicate that research on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) is concentrated in developed countries, predominantly employs qualitative designs, and focuses primarily on environmental aspects. By integrating bibliometric mapping, thematic synthesis, and cross-contextual comparison, this study presents a comprehensive framework linking the drivers, barriers, and implementation strategies of SPP in both developed and developing nations. Future research needs to expand the evidence base from developing countries, utilize mixed-methods approaches, and examine digital transformation to strengthen SPP implementation.