From project to programme : drivers to a programmatic procurement approach in the Dutch construction industry

Programme procurement can stimulate innovation and cross-project learning and offers opportunities to deal with negative effects of fragmentation the Dutch civil- and construction industry experiences. However, literature and practical examples on programme procurement is rare, and the link between programme management and project procurement is not explored yet. This study aims to investigate how public clients in the Dutch civil- and construction industry can manage the development from project-oriented procurement to programme procurement, considering barriers in this change process. Case study research is merged with survey-based research. The dataset consists of interviews and a questionnaire. Barriers to programme procurement mostly originate from the project-oriented procurement approach that is state-of-art. Public clients are in charge to overcome these and can manage the change process from project procurement towards programme procurement by clarifying ambitions and strategy, a project-transcending governance, using market consultations and framework agreements and the appointment of a change manager.