Bridging gaps between policies for sustainable markets and market practices
Abstract
Purpose
The problem addressed is how policies to promote sustainable development may be implemented in market practice. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework on which further research on sustainable market practice can be based.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature and conceptual analysis as regards sustainable development and policies to promote sustainable markets. Frameworks from theorizing about markets and about institutions.
Findings
The context of policy initiatives aiming at sustainable development is characterized by substantial heterogeneity and is inherently conflictual and multidimensional. Stakeholders, NGOs, governments as well as market actors are involved in policy processes. A market practice perspective is suggested. Specific issues for research are how policy practice interacts with market practice and how sustainable markets actually perform sustainable development over time and space.
Practical implications
Implications for how policy actors and market actors might act to bridge the gap by awareness of market shaping process in market practice.
Originality/value
Contribution to holistic understanding of links between policies, market practice and sustainable development.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
A Swedish government agency for funding research on environmental issues, Mistra (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environment Research) took the initiative to create an interdisciplinary center at the Stockholm School of Economics, named Misum (Mistra center for sustainable markets). Misum began its activities January 1, 2015. This paper represents my initial efforts, as a researcher associated to Misum, to provide a conceptual base for further research on policies for sustainable markets.
Citation
Mattsson, L.-G. (2016), "Bridging gaps between policies for sustainable markets and market practices", IMP Journal, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 339-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMP-01-2016-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited