Barriers to E-Tendering Implementation in the Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of a Decade and Beyond

Yusif Inusah (), Aynur Kazaz and Serdar Ulubeyli
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Yusif Inusah: Civil Engineering Department, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Türkiye
Aynur Kazaz: Civil Engineering Department, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Türkiye
Serdar Ulubeyli: Civil Engineering Department, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, 67100 Zonguldak, Türkiye

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-33

Abstract: This study addresses the scientific issue of the insufficient systematization of knowledge about the barriers to electronic tendering (E-Tendering) in the construction industry. This study is critical because it can potentially promote more effective, transparent, and environmentally friendly procurement practices, which can help with sustainable development. The key scientific goals of this study are to identify and categorize the barriers to E-Tendering adoption across six (6) geographical regions and to make recommendations to overcome the identified barriers. This research used a systematic literature review technique to identify these barriers from relevant scientific databases. This study identified and categorized the main obstacles to E-Tendering and grouped the barriers according to six geographical regions. Eight (8) significant barriers were common across six geographical locations. They are (1) Inadequate technical/ICT skilled personnel, (2) Inadequate data security, (3) Inadequate policy or uniform standard and Inadequate legal framework, (4) resistance to change, (5) Inadequate ICT and internet infrastructure, (6) High investment cost of implementation, (7) Lack of support, and (8) Technical challenges. Furthermore, this study identified 10 significant barriers to E-Tendering implementation in the construction industry. This study contributes to improving knowledge of these barriers. It contributes to creating policies that promote the long-term reform of procurement processes in the construction sector. This study also supports sustainable development goals by promoting more efficient, transparent, and environmentally friendly procurement processes.

Keywords: E-Tendering adoption; E-Tendering barriers; construction industry; sustainable development; systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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