Publication
Innovation Procurement
From Office of Government Procurement
Published on
Last updated on
From Office of Government Procurement
Published on
Last updated on
As per the European Commission ‘Guidance on ‘Innovation Procurement’, Innovation procurement is referred to as “… any procurement that has one or both of the following aspects:
• buying the process of innovation – research and development services – with (partial) outcomes
• buying the outcomes of innovation”.
It is important to highlight the significance of preliminary market consultation. Preliminary market consultation allows contracting authorities to engage with suppliers and expert bodies before the commencement of a tendering process. Preliminary market consultation can provide insights about the capacity of the market to deliver on the requirements of the contracting authority and the risks involved. It may reduce procurement timescales during the formal procurement process and/or reduce the need for complex and sometimes costly procedures such as competitive dialogue. In addition, it has the potential to drive a more responsive market and allows suppliers to ask questions at an earlier stage prior to the commencement of the formal process.