Publicação
Social procurement as a driver of corporate social innovation : a multi-stakeholder perspective in Portugal
| Resumo: | This dissertation explores how stakeholders engage in social procurement initiatives in Portugal, and how these practices contribute to the implementation of Corporate Social Innovation in the private sector. Since existing literature predominantly focuses on the public sector, this research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the dynamics of these partnerships in the corporate context. Based on a qualitative and inductive approach, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with nine organizations, including representatives of companies, social organizations, and intermediary organizations. The results evidenced a continuous evolution in business practices, showing that social procurement goes beyond social actions or legal obligations, becoming a central strategy integrated into the companies' core activity. This integration allows aligning financial objectives with social impact, generating shared value. In this context, the study points to two major conclusions. First, intermediaries are essential: they act as "strategic bridges" to translate languages and reduce risks between sectors. Second, the success of these collaborations relies primarily on the quality of relationships, based on trust and leadership commitment, being this more determinant than contractual rigidity. In sum, it is confirmed that social procurement converts social challenges into concrete opportunities for innovation and inclusion. |
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| Autores principais: | Vilaverde, Maria Inês de Almeida |
| Assunto: | Social procurement Corporate social innovation Intermediaries Multi-stakeholder collaboration Private sector Inovação social corporativa Intermediários Colaboração multi-stakeholder Setor privado |
| Ano: | 2026 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade Católica Portuguesa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa |
| Resumo: | This dissertation explores how stakeholders engage in social procurement initiatives in Portugal, and how these practices contribute to the implementation of Corporate Social Innovation in the private sector. Since existing literature predominantly focuses on the public sector, this research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the dynamics of these partnerships in the corporate context. Based on a qualitative and inductive approach, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with nine organizations, including representatives of companies, social organizations, and intermediary organizations. The results evidenced a continuous evolution in business practices, showing that social procurement goes beyond social actions or legal obligations, becoming a central strategy integrated into the companies' core activity. This integration allows aligning financial objectives with social impact, generating shared value. In this context, the study points to two major conclusions. First, intermediaries are essential: they act as "strategic bridges" to translate languages and reduce risks between sectors. Second, the success of these collaborations relies primarily on the quality of relationships, based on trust and leadership commitment, being this more determinant than contractual rigidity. In sum, it is confirmed that social procurement converts social challenges into concrete opportunities for innovation and inclusion. |
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