Abstract

ROJAS VICTORIO, Raúl Alfredo; ROJAS VICTORIO, Liborio  and  BAYLON SALVADOR, Esther Genoveva. Sustainable public procurement in Latin America: a regional comparative and regulatory analysis. Revista InveCom [online]. 2026, vol.6, n.1, e601109.  Epub July 15, 2025. ISSN 2739-0063.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15665885.

The social and economic problems facing the planet due to excessive population growth have led to increased demand for food and goods. Added to this situation is the lack of control in selection processes and environmental degradation caused by the excessive exploitation of natural resources. In this context, the present study aims to analyze public procurement from the perspective of sustainable purchasing and its standardization in the Latin American context, as well as its link to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A qualitative methodology was applied, under an interpretive paradigm, through a systematic review of literature, regulatory frameworks, institutional manuals, and technical reports issued by international organizations and governments in the region. The sample included 23 Latin American countries, whose information was systematized in a comparative matrix that allowed for the evaluation of four key dimensions: (1) existence of specific regulations, (2) institutional tools, (3) level of implementation of sustainable public procurement (SPP), and (4) alignment with the SDGs, in particular goals 5, 8, and 12. It is concluded that, at the Latin American level, there is a lack of updated regulations on public procurement that guarantee sustainability. Recent implementations are still weak, and environmental approaches must be rigorously applied to safeguard the environment. Therefore, sustainability criteria need to be strengthened and states need to update, in the short term, the regulations governing public procurement, incorporating social and environmental requirements at all stages of the process, in order to close gaps and move towards truly sustainable development.

Keywords : public procurement; sustainable purchasing; standardization.

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