Key Best Practices for a boosting the Adoption of Innovation Procurement
At the recent SIPE Conference, held on 18th June in Brussels, expert speakers shared key recommendations aimed at strengthening innovation procurement across Europe. In this article we propose a selection of the best strategies aimed at paving the way for innovation adoption in cities across Europe.
Strategic engagement across all levels of government
Valentina Schippers and Frédéric Amiand of the Urban Agenda Partnership shared key recommendations aimed at strengthening innovation procurement across Europe. Their Position Paper presents actionable strategies for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability.
A core recommendation is the need for stronger, structured engagement between local governments and the EU. Innovation in procurement can only be realised if local authorities are included in ongoing dialogue and collaboration at the European level. Establishing a formal framework for this engagement would allow for more coordinated and aligned procurement strategies, ensuring that public procurement supports innovation while advancing EU transitions, such as the green and digital agendas.
The development of a pre-tender ecosystem, enabling early communication between buyers and suppliers, was highlighted as essential for fostering innovation. Pre-tender exchanges create a foundation for collaboration, allowing both sides to align their needs and capabilities before formal procurement begins. This proactive approach enhances the quality of bids and ensures that the procurement process is conducive to innovative solutions.
Building pre-tender ecosystems for better collaboration
A holistic and flexible procurement approach
Schippers and Amiand advocate for a more flexible, holistic procurement strategy that considers broader factors, such as a supplier’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), even when these are not directly tied to the contract’s subject. By incorporating sustainability and social responsibility into procurement decisions, public bodies can influence broader market behavior and encourage suppliers to adopt more responsible practices.
To make public procurement more accessible, Schippers and Amiand recommended that the European Commission provides a comprehensive, user-friendly list of EU public procurement laws on its website. This resource should include clear explanations of how each regulation applies, helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of EU procurement law more easily. The same framework applies for clear, tailored resources for stakeholders of all sizes. Each group, indeed, faces unique challenges in the procurement process, and tailored resources can help ensure that all stakeholders have the tools they need to fully participate in innovation procurement and contribute to broader EU objectives.
Improving Access to EU Procurement Laws and tailored resources
Establishing a multilingual resource center
Schippers and Amiand advocate for a more flexible, holistic procurement strategy that considers broader factors, such as a supplier’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), even when these are not directly tied to the contract’s subject. By incorporating sustainability and social responsibility into procurement decisions, public bodies can influence broader market behavior and encourage suppliers to adopt more responsible practices.
An often overlooked but crucial aspect of advancing innovation procurement is the need to inspire the next generation of public procurement professionals. Louise Knight of the University of Twente emphasised the importance of creating attractive, dynamic roles in the procurement sector that align with strategic innovation goals. She noted that engaging students and young professionals in this field is vital for developing future leaders who are passionate about public procurement.
To ensure the long-term success of innovation procurement, public bodies must invest in creating a work environment that rewards creativity, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-thinking approaches. Universities, governments, and the private sector must collaborate to offer opportunities and resources that inspire young talent to pursue careers in public procurement. By doing so, they can cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to using procurement as a tool for driving societal change.
Inspiring Future Leaders in Procurement
Policy Recommendations Booklet by the BUILD Project
Stay tuned for the BUILD Booklet on Policy Recommendations: a collection of all the lessons learned through the projec implementation, meetings with stakeholders and strategies shared with our network of PPI experts!
