Exploring value creation from an ecosystem perspective: A critical examination of social procurement policy

Public procurement policy reforms, and specifically social procurement practices designed to support the social economy and create social value, are growing in popularity. However, there is still limited knowledge around the extent to which rhetorical aims of procurement reforms are perceived to be realized through the implementation of social procurement policies. This research provides important insights for social procurement advocates and, in particular, for policy-makers and public managers working at all levels of government. The authors highlight how reforms in Scotland have seemingly benefited the social economy by tangibly directing significant spend toward social economy organizations and changing societal and individual beliefs about their social and economic value. At the same time, there are still barriers to value creation at organizational and individual levels. These findings are important for those attempting to strengthen their social procurement policies and encourage collaboration in a way that advantages actors working across the public service ecosystem.