This article analyses different types of labour clauses in public procurement regulation that have been enacted in Germany, a coordinated market economy that has experienced a ‘neoliberal drift’ including the decline of the traditional governance of labour and contracting out. Based on an analysis of relevant regulations adopted by the 16 Germany federal states, the article corroborates insights into the prominent role of left parties advocating for labour clauses in public procurement on a much broader empirical foundation than previous research. It adds to scholarly knowledge by revealing that the relative comparative advantage of regions with lower wage levels inhibits labour clauses in federal political systems. It finds that centre-right parties are willing to stipulate certain labour clauses in order to protect small-and medium-sized enterprises, which are core parts of their electoral support base.

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With the rise of the regulatory welfare state, public procurement gained increasing importance as a tool for the regulation of wages and working conditions and a lever for promoting equality. Yet, despite growing attention to and understanding of public procurement’s relation to equality, existing knowledge remains fragmented. An analytical framework that captures and systematizes the multifaceted interaction between public procurement and equality is still missing. Focusing on conditions of purchasing and obligations set as part of the procurement processes, this article explores the way in which public procurement processes generate equality impacts first through stipulations and practices which are not explicitly linked to equality but generate equality impacts, and second through proactive measures designed to foster equality. It argues that a holistic understanding of public procurement’s equality impact needs to take account of the individual combination of features.

The ability to engage with empirical research in a meaningful way is a vital skill for public administration (PA) students and graduates. Yet, while research methods are essential skills for PA students, it is widely acknowledged that teaching research methods in the context of social science programmes and PA in particular faces challenges. To address these challenges, namely negative perceptions of research methods in combination with misconceptions about the value of methodological knowledge and skills and the resulting lack of engagement, different approaches have been put forth. These comprise stronger links between the course content and research methods as well as the integration of hands-on experiences. This article presents a reflective analysis of a collaborative approach, which integrates hands-on experience while highlighting the value of methodological skills and knowledge for public sector organisations and linking research methods to students’ future careers.

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Contracting of services has become increasingly important over the last few decades. Against this background, public contracts play an indispensable role in setting standards for services as well as in the regulation of labour. This article explores public tendering strategies for a specific service, interpretation in the context of asylum and international protection. Based on an empirical study of tendering strategies of two public agencies in Greece, it analyses core issues related to working conditions and service quality, namely, the importance given to the price and the use of stipulations relating to working conditions and qualifications. The findings reveal that even under high budgetary constraints, individual agencies may seek to strategically counteract a price-driven competition and point to the importance of the structure of the market as an external constraint.

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