Overview

Original Research

AN EXPLORATORY STATE‑OF‑THE-ART REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGY IN SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES

IMOLEAYO A.AWODELE 1, OYINDAMOLA A.OLAGUNJU 2, MORAKANE. KHAHLEDI 3, OLUSOJID. ADETOLA 4, BABATUNDE.J.IBITOYE 5, MOLUSIWA S.RAMABODU 6, and NATHANIEL A.OLATUNDE 7

Vol 20, No 08 ( 2025 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16833988   |   Author Affiliation: Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, South Africa 1, Salford Business School, University of Salford Manchester, United Kingdom 2, Independent Institute of Education, Varsity College, Cape Town, South Africa 3, Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 4, Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 5, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, South Africa 6, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Department, Durban University of Technology, South Africa 7.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 37-48   |   Published on: 12-08-2025

Abstract

Purpose: Sustainable procurement practices (SPPs) have attracted global attention in the recent time. This is because they incorporate sustainability dimensions into their processes. This significant attention has been attributed to the global mandate of sustainable developmental goals (SDG). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology-based advancements make it possible to overcome many problems associated with SPPs. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review literature on AI technology that advances SPPs. This is with the aim of exposing the level of awareness of AI technology in advancing SPPs; to evaluate the drivers and barriers of implementing AI technology in advancing SPPs. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to synthesize 220 articles from the Scopus and Science direct databases. The search key words included; Sustainable procurement practices (SPPs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)to assess awareness levels, drivers, and barriers of implementing AI technology in advancing SPPs from shortlisted articles. The articles reviewed were delimited to papers published in the last decade (2013 -2023). Findings: Literature synthesis indicates that integrating AI into sustainable procurement provides benefits like enhanced decision-making, cost reduction, improved supplier relationships, and positive environmental impact. However, challenges such as data quality, integration with existing systems, skills and expertise, and ethical considerations impede its widespread adoption. Research limitations/implications (if applicable): These research findings are limited to published results of previous articles reviewed; as such this research lacked empirical findings from its own collected data. Practical implications (if applicable): The information provided by the study can assist project teams in utilising AI technology to improve sustainable procurement practices and overcome recognised obstacles. Originality/value of paper: The study provides a state of the art with respect to artificial intelligent in sustainable procurement practices.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Procurement, Emerging Technologies