Integrating AI in a Swedish Public Procurement Setting : Identifying Factors Which Drive or Inhibit the Adoption of AI-Solutions in Public Procurement

Sammanfattning

As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are now more than ever before an important tool for organizations to meet future challenges. This is true for the private as well as the public sector, however, certain organizational functions are falling behind on AI-adoption, with public procurement being a standout example. This study examines the feasibility of integrating AI-solutions in public procurement. Using the theoretical lens of technology adoption and the AI-adapted Technology Organization Environment (TOE)-framework, a series of interviews were conducted with procurement practitioners, experts and solutions providers, identifying what factors drive or inhibit AI-adoption. The results confirmed that the previously identified TOE-factors relative advantage, management support, and external pressure are drivers of AI-adoption in public procurement, while competence, resources and procurement regulation are inhibitors. Additionally, three new factors were identified in the interviews; available solutions, resistance to change and public policy. The findings of the study contributed to the proposal of an updated TOE-framework for AI-adoption in public procurement. They further confirm the findings of previous studies utilizing the TOE-framework to investigate public organizations.