Room for maneuver: practicing competitive dialogue in infrastructure projects in Norway

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the experiences of using competitive dialogue (CD) as a procurement procedure and the freedom it provides to the contracting parties in Norway. Design/methodology/approach This study opted for qualitative research design. Data were collected from four case projects through document reviews and in-depth interviews with procurement experts and key contract partners of the projects. Findings Results indicate that CD has some room for maneuver that is worth trying. Furthermore, the research identified several measures that can be implemented to use the procedure effectively. Contracting parties that have used the procedure have had various positive experiences. Social implications The findings have implications in improving project outputs, building better trust and cooperation between the contracting parties and better use of public money on projects that have lasting outcomes for the society. Originality/value The authors studied four actual projects that used CD as a procurement procedure and aimed to provide first-hand information on the degree of freedom that it offered to the contracting parties.