Joanna Bardelosa Ervik

• Ervik, Joanna Bardelosa; Mwesiumo, Deodat Edward; Kvadsheim, Nina Pereira & Andersen, Terje Lauvaas (2026). Public procurement of low-carbon transport: A systematic review and conceptual framework of enablers, constraints, and intervention pathways. Research in Transportation Economics. ISSN 0739-8859. 119. doi: 10.1016/j.retrec.2026.101832. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Public procurement is a key lever for advancing low-carbon transport; however, evidence on its enablers and constraints remains fragmented. This systematic literature review of 35 empirical studies applies thematic analysis grounded in transaction cost economics and institutional theory to address that gap. The findings show that procurement decisions are shaped by the interaction between economic and institutional factors. Policy and regulatory pressures and environmental benefits are the most widely cited enablers, while high upfront costs, infrastructure limitations, and information gaps are the dominant constraints. These factors do not operate independently; institutional pressures shape how risks are perceived, while transaction costs determine whether policy signals translate into adoption. Based on these findings, this study proposes a conceptual framework explaining procurement through three pathways: financial, infrastructure, and information. The relative importance of coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures shifts as procurement experience accumulates. Notably, the information pathway becomes self-reinforcing, as each successful procurement reduces uncertainty and transaction costs for subsequent adopters through knowledge dissemination. The findings suggest that policy instruments should be sequenced according to the stage of adoption. Coercive mandates and financial support are most effective during early adoption, while information infrastructure and normative mechanisms become increasingly important as operational evidence accumulates.

• Ervik, Joanna Bardelosa; Mwesiumo, Deodat Edward & Glavee-Geo, Richard (2025). Turning carbon footprint data into a competitive edge: strategic responses of logistics providers to institutional pressures. International Journal of Logistics Management. ISSN 0957-4093. 36(6), p. 1816–1841. doi: 10.1108/ijlm-02-2025-0134. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose This study explores how medium-sized logistics service providers (LSPs) can respond to increasing institutional pressures for sustainability, especially through the reporting of carbon footprint data (CFD). While most previous research concentrates on large firms, this study offers new empirical insights into how resource-limited firms strategically comply with sustainability demands to stay competitive. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a qualitative single-case approach centred on ABC Logistics, a medium-sized LSP. Data were gathered through a survey, collection of operational data, semi-structured interviews with the project manager and client feedback. A qualitative method is employed to analyse the data, while the findings are interpreted using Institutional Theory, the Strategic Response Framework and the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities. Findings ABC Logistics responded to coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures by investing in a credible emissions reporting tool, despite financial limitations. The company strategically complied with client and regulatory expectations without disrupting core operations. Findings reveal that compliance, when aligned with long-term business interests, can support client retention, enhance a company’s reputation and reinforce its market positioning. The study also confirms the cascading nature of sustainability pressures within supply chains, where larger clients influence the adoption of sustainability among smaller providers. Originality/value This study contributes to logistics and sustainability by reframing compliance not as a reactive obligation but as a proactive, strategic choice for medium-sized firms. It offers a new insight into how medium-sized, resource-constrained firms can respond effectively to institutional pressures by aligning sustainability initiatives with core business goals. By demonstrating how sustainability demands are transmitted through supply chain relationships, the study extends current theories on institutional pressure and dynamic capabilities.

• Ervik, Joanna Bardelosa & Mwesiumo, Deodat Edward (2025). Navigating the path to low-carbon procurement : insights from Norwegian municipalities. In Langseth, Marius & Similä, Jan Ole (Ed.), Public procurement pathways : sustainability edition. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202882976. p. 99–128. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/264#chapters. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigates how Norwegian municipalities adopt low-carbon procurement (LCP) practices, focusing on the drivers, barriers, strategies, and current practices shaping implementation. Drawing on qualitative data from nine municipalities, the findings highlight regulatory mandates and procurement officials’ awareness as key drivers of LCP adoption. However, several barriers hinder progress, including limited technical expertise, financial constraints, insufficient documentation, and limited availability of certified low-carbon products. Despite these challenges, municipalities respond with practical strategies such as cooperative purchasing, reuse of materials, stricter environmental criteria, and investment in electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. The study proposes a conceptual framework illustrating how regulations, institutional capacity, and market readiness interact to influence LCP adoption. It also emphasizes the importance of training, internal policies, and access to reliable information in supporting procurement decisions. By focusing on local government experiences, this research contributes to the broader literature on sustainable public procurement and offers practical insights for policymakers. It shows that while progress is being made, a more integrated approach combining regulatory support, professional development, and supplier engagement is needed to realize the full potential of LCP. Future research should broaden the scope across countries and explore measurable environmental and economic impacts of LCP to strengthen policy and practice.

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