Short answer
Designers and policymakers involved in public procurement should proactively integrate strategies to promote equitable access to and fairness in employment throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Journal of Industrial Relations (2023)
- Method
- Conceptual framework development
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The design of public procurement processes, from initial object specification to contract award and delivery, can be intentionally shaped to mitigate labour market inequalities. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Journal of Industrial Relations. Using Conceptual framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers and policymakers involved in public procurement should proactively integrate strategies to promote equitable access to and fairness in employment throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
Public procurement design can reduce labour market inequality
The design of public procurement processes, from initial object specification to contract award and delivery, can be intentionally shaped to mitigate labour market inequalities.
Journal of Industrial Relations · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Public procurement has a multi-faceted relationship with labour market inequalities.
- 02Three core decision points in procurement (object design, requirement setting, provider type) significantly influence labour market outcomes.
- 03Current research often focuses on individual aspects of procurement, leading to a fragmented understanding of its broader impact.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers and policymakers involved in public procurement should proactively integrate strategies to promote equitable access to and fairness in employment throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
How to apply
When designing tender documents or specifying requirements for public contracts, consider how these choices might impact employment opportunities for diverse groups or influence wage disparities.
Project actions
- 01Consider how a product or service specification might unintentionally exclude certain groups from bidding or employment.
- 02Research existing social value clauses in public procurement and how they are implemented.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel conceptual framework for understanding a complex relationship.
- +Identifies key decision points for intervention.
Limitations
Empirical testing of the conceptual framework is needed to quantify the impact.
Reliability & validity
The conceptual nature of the study means reliability and validity are assessed through the logical coherence and comprehensiveness of the framework, rather than empirical measurement.
Think critically
To what extent can public procurement be a primary driver of labour market equality, or is it merely a secondary tool influenced by broader economic and social policies?
Design Principles
"Procurement processes can be designed as instruments for social equity."
By understanding public procurement not just as a purchasing mechanism but as a lever for social impact, designers and policymakers can create more equitable employment opportunities. This involves a conscious effort to integrate social objectives into the core design of procurement strategies.
What This Means for Your Design
The way governments buy things (public procurement) can be designed to help make sure everyone has a fair chance at jobs and that pay is more equal.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the inclusion of social equity considerations in the design of a product or service that might be procured by a public body.
- 2.Frame your design problem to include the potential impact on employment and inequality.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights that public procurement, often viewed solely through an economic lens, possesses significant potential to influence labour market dynamics and reduce inequality. By critically examining the design of the purchased object, the stipulations within tender requirements, and the selection of service providers, designers and policymakers can intentionally shape procurement processes to foster more equitable employment opportunities and outcomes.
Source
Journal of Industrial Relations
Public procurement and labour market inequality: Conceptualising a multi-faceted relationship
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about public procurement design can reduce labour market inequality?
- Designers and policymakers involved in public procurement should proactively integrate strategies to promote equitable access to and fairness in employment throughout the entire procurement lifecycle. Evidence: Journal of Industrial Relations (2023).
- Why does "Public procurement design can reduce labour market inequality" matter for design?
- By understanding public procurement not just as a purchasing mechanism but as a lever for social impact, designers and policymakers can create more equitable employment opportunities. This involves a conscious effort to integrate social objectives into the core design of procurement strategies.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers and policymakers involved in public procurement should proactively integrate strategies to promote equitable access to and fairness in employment throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
- What were the main findings?
- Public procurement has a multi-faceted relationship with labour market inequalities.. Three core decision points in procurement (object design, requirement setting, provider type) significantly influence labour market outcomes.. Current research often focuses on individual aspects of procurement, leading to a fragmented understanding of its broader impact.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual framework development.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Journal of Industrial Relations.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing tender documents or specifying requirements for public contracts, consider how these choices might impact employment opportunities for diverse groups or influence wage disparities.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is conceptual and does not provide empirical data on the magnitude of the effects.