Johan Larsson och Per Erik Eriksson, professorer vid Luleå tekniska universitet, forskar om hur offentlig upphandling kan bidra till innovation i byggsektorn.
30 September 2026
The construction sector needs to transform—but that also means procurement practices must change
The construction sector has long been criticized for being resistant to change. At the same time, new, more climate-smart products and more efficient work methods are needed to reduce the sector’s climate impact. Researchers at Luleå University of Technology are investigating how public clients can create better conditions for innovation even before construction projects begin.
“The need for innovation has never been greater. But it’s not just about wanting to change. Clients also need to design procurement processes and projects in a way that makes it possible to test new solutions,” says Johan Larsson, professor of construction management and engineering at Luleå University of Technology.
Together with Per Erik Eriksson, a professor in the same field, he has developed a framework to help public clients analyze their needs for renewal and innovation. The idea is for the client to first clarify what benefits are needed and then adapt the procurement process and its management accordingly.
If innovation is merely added as a goal in a traditional procurement process, there is a risk that the project’s working methods will remain the same. For new solutions to be developed, different requirements may be needed, along with the right expertise earlier in the process and a clearer link between the project’s goals and how they are monitored.
“It’s not enough to simply include innovation as an objective in the procurement process. The innovation objective must have an impact on how the project is planned, what expertise is involved, and how the work is managed and monitored,” says Johan Larsson.
The framework is based on a literature review that has been finalized. It is now being tested and validated through case studies, interviews, and workshops with industry representatives. The preliminary results point to a gap between public procurers’ long-term ambitions for sustainability and societal benefit and the conditions established in individual construction projects.
Client demand shapes the market
A key factor is that clients think long-term. If suppliers know that demand for sustainable solutions will continue in future projects, it becomes easier to invest in new expertise and technology.
“Public clients aren’t just purchasing individual projects. Through clear and long-term demand, they also influence which solutions the market chooses to develop,” says Per Erik Eriksson.
The research project is being conducted in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration. Final delivery and publication of the framework in its entirety are expected during the first half of 2027.
Contact
Per-Erik Eriksson
Johan Larsson
- Professor tillika ämnesföreträdare, Avdelningschef
- 0920-492263
- johan.p.larsson@ltu.se
- Johan Larsson
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