A business network perspective on the transition toward sustainable public services: A case study on electrical mobility

This study explores the transition to electric public transport, specifically the adoption of electric buses. Through a business network lens, it aims to understand how public policy, together with business relationships and networks, both affect and are affected by the strategies of public and private actors engaged in shaping the public transport market. A single case study was conducted, centered on the Portuguese transportation company Rodoviária, which is currently at an early stage of transitioning to electric mobility. Some of its operational units have integrated electric buses in their fleets, while others have not, offering a relevant context to examine the complexities and strategic decisions involved in such a transition. The study draws on both primary and secondary data, collected through semi- structured interviews with two employees from Rodoviária and through literature and news sources related to the company and the broader transition to electric mobility. The main contributions of this study are twofold. First, it highlights the critical role of business networks and relational alignment in enabling sustainability transitions in public transportation. The research shows that successful implementation requires more than just technology or investment, it demands coordination among partners, supportive policy, and shared motivation. Second, by applying a market shaping perspective, the study demonstrates how transport companies and public authorities collaboratively shape the direction of market change.