Organizational purchasing behaviour of bioprocessing technologies in a post-pandemic environment: a qualitative research approach
Authors
Price J.A.M., Fernandez Lahore H.M.
Reference
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 2025
Description
Organizational Purchasing Behaviour (OBB) in the biomanufacturing industries can be understood as a process resulting in the adoption of new technologies following a series of complex steps and multiphases. Context-based junctures—such as the COVID-19 pandemic, societal trends, sustainability imperatives, and geopolitical risks—shape how these decisions are made. This perspective article revisits insights from a 2017 exploratory qualitative study of purchasing behaviours by experienced practitioners in downstream processing [DSP] and integrates them with findings from the most recent post-pandemic literature. By presenting these findings side by side, the analysis highlights areas of continuity, disruption, and reversal in purchasing behaviours. A case is made for the use of qualitative research methods when exploring the ‘human aspects’ (e.g., as gathered via qualitative research methods) of OBB, an approach rarely considered by engineering practitioners. Key lessons for those interested in the interpersonal and organizational dynamics of decision making emerge from this line of inquiry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
