The implementation of socially responsible public procurement in Greece: barriers and prospects for Social Economy Entities

This study explores whether and how Social Economy Entities (SEEs) in Greece engage with Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP), as introduced by Law 4412/2016. It investigates the extent to which SEEs—specifically KOINSEPs and KOISPEs—are aware of, participate in, and benefit from SRPP provisions such as Articles 20 and 110, and identifies institutional barriers they encounter. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and interviews, the findings reveal that while KOISPEs demonstrate higher awareness and participation, KOINSEPs face legal unfamiliarity, bureaucratic complexity, and liquidity constraints. Public authorities, in turn, often lack SRPP-related knowledge, contributing to limited implementation. Despite these challenges, SEEs propose concrete reforms, including quotas, administrative simplification, and targeted support structures. The study contributes to the literature on strategic procurement and highlights the importance of institutional capacity, legal clarity, and trust in enabling inclusive economic policies.