Dr. Emma Ek Österberg

Biography

Emma Ek Österberg is an Associate Professor in Public Administration at the University of Gothenburg. Her research focuses on governance, organizational dynamics within the public sector, and the implications of administrative policy reforms. She has explored various areas including governance in public procurement, the marketization of the public sector, and the nuances of public sector auditing with a specific interest in state inspection mechanisms. Over recent years, she has been involved in multiple research projects addressing public sector developments, particularly those aimed at implementing sustainable procurement practices. For example, she is currently leading a project on circular transformation in public procurement, analyzing how public sector organizations can influence production practices and markets while contributing to sustainability goals. Additionally, Emma's research encompasses labor market integration of foreign-born individuals and the efficiency of animal welfare inspections in Sweden; she seeks to understand the organizational challenges faced by public authorities as they adapt to modern demands. Her extensive experience includes teaching at various academic levels in organization, management accounting, and public audit, where she has developed courses on strategic procurement and management audit. Emma is dedicated to bridging the gap between policy and practice through applicable research findings.

Research Interests