The suspension of passenger train services, though a source of hardship for millions, became a unique advantage for me. With fewer official responsibilities demanding my time, I could delve deeper into research and writing. Being a novice to writing a book, I made a habit of jotting down even the smallest, seemingly random thoughts related to sustainable procurement. I would celebrate each day I managed to write a single page, typically 400–500 words. Many of these ideas were eventually discarded, but the practice helped refine my thoughts. This routine persisted long after the lockdown ended and offices reopened, extending into 2022.
By March 2022, my manuscript had swelled to over 500 pages, replete with repetitions and redundancies. Over the next few months, with the invaluable help of my family, I streamlined the content, organizing chapters and trimming the text to under 400 pages. The reviewers' positive feedback validated the effort, and by June 2022, I received the book cover (http://bit.ly/3VZPGL9). On October 7, 2022, the book, Understanding Sustainable Public Procurement: Reflections from India and the World (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-08258-0), was officially released. While the online version became available immediately, the physical release took place during the 16th Asia-Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) conference in Bangkok on November 21, 2022 (https://bit.ly/4iRJmzf).
Initially, I was apprehensive. Would the book resonate with the niche audience of practitioners, academics, and policymakers in this field? I was also concerned about its price—around USD 100—in a world where 44% of the population lives on less than $6.85 a day. I was confident the book would find readers in Europe and North America, if for nothing else but for diversity of views. But I hoped this book to be read by policymakers in poor and developing economies because the principles of sustainable procurement is universal in addressing the horizontal objectives such as employment generation, development of local economy, supports for SMEs, empowering women owned business, etc. My aim was clear: to encourage policymakers in developing nations to craft sustainable procurement policies aligned with their unique development priorities, rather than merely replicating models from developed countries.
Surprisingly, my concerns proved unfounded. The book surpassed 1,000 copies sold within a year, crossed 2,000 by March 2024 (https://bit.ly/40bNnHp), and exceeded 3,000 by November 2024 (https://bit.ly/3PgEZ32). Analytics from Springer indicate that the book consistently outperformed the global average for similar titles, a remarkable feat given its specialized audience. Interestingly, while downloads in developed countries were expected, the significant interest from the Global South was both surprising and heartening.
For me, each download represents someone who is ready to drive meaningful, positive change through procurement. It symbolizes a growing movement of individuals and organizations recognizing the transformative potential of public procurement as more than just a transactional activity. Each download reflects a commitment to leveraging procurement as a strategic tool to build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. It signals a shift in perspective, where procurement is seen as a powerful mechanism for fostering economic resilience, promoting environmental stewardship, and advancing social progress. Together, these downloads mark a collective effort to redefine procurement as a force for good, shaping a future where public spending aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and equity.
This global reach disrupts conventional narratives about where sustainability thrives, proving that the commitment to sustainable procurement transcends borders and economic divides. It underscores a shared determination to embrace innovative procurement practices in diverse contexts—be it Egypt's strategic adaptation, South Africa's resilience, Colombia's ambitious reforms, or Vietnam's forward-thinking integration. This dynamic spread raises a profound question: Have I, in some small way, contributed to the democratization of sustainable procurement knowledge? Is the world embracing a more equitable exchange of ideas and strategies, where every nation, regardless of its starting point, contributes to and benefits from a global shift towards sustainability? This map is more than just a visual—it is a testament to the universal recognition of procurement's power to drive meaningful change and a challenge to continue breaking down barriers to knowledge, innovation, and progress.
While this journey has been deeply fulfilling, I recognize that it’s no excuse for the long hiatus from this platform. Over 20,000 curious readers visit here for updates on sustainable procurement worldwide, and I promise to be more regular in sharing insights. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2025!
