On June 24–25, 2025, partners of the INPROCAP project convened in Amsterdam for their third consortium meeting. Hosted by NOW-I at the National Institute for Subatomic Physics (NIKHEF), this key event marked an important milestone in the project. It provided a collaborative space for partners to review progress, exchange knowledge, and align strategies for the next phase of implementation. With a focus on innovation procurement in the Big Science sector, the meeting brought together expertise from across Europe to strengthen joint efforts and address upcoming challenges.
Setting the Stage for Progress
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from Esther Davidsen, the project coordinator from the Danish Technological Institute. In her remarks, Esther highlighted recent achievements, upcoming milestones, and outlined key priorities for the remainder of 2025.
Day 1: Building the Training Framework
The first day focused on the development of training modules in innovation procurement. Partners discussed the objectives and content of each module, engaging in productive dialogue on how to make the training program both effective and appealing for Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs).
An insightful presentation followed from the DTI Center for Innovation and Digital Transformation. They showcased best practices in commercial innovation procurement—particularly strategies to engage vendors in delivering innovative solutions for private-sector clients.
Training sessions on Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) and Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) were also highlighted as central components of the upcoming learning materials.
Day 2: Work Package Updates and Strategic Discussions
The second day featured detailed updates from work package leaders, covering the following areas:
WP2: Establishing knowledge baselines and industrial outreach channels
WP3: Training innovation procurement advisors and ILOs
WP4: Innovation procedures at research infrastructures and training for BSO staff
WP5: Communication and dissemination
Key Achievements Over the Past Year
During the past year, the INPROCAP team has made significant progress across several strategic fronts:
- Mapping Best Practices
Interviews with European ILOs and BSO procurement officers captured national experience in innovation procurement relevant to big science. This research will inform a comprehensive report identifying common barriers and effective strategies for innovation procurement in this sector.
- Engaging Industry Clusters
The team identified and collaborated with Big Science industry clusters to enhance project relevance and impact.
Upcoming Activities in Engaging Industry Clusters
As part of the Work Package 2 (WP), the INPROCAP team will continue its efforts to strengthen connections with industry. Moreover, we will gather insights to guide future actions. Planned activities include:
- Conducting direct and remote interviews with selected start-up actors to better understand their innovation potential and needs.
- Assessing innovation capacity and alignment with public sector procurement demands.
- Organizing site visits and participating in key networking and innovation events across Europe, including SLUSH in Finland (in collaboration with EISCAT).
These initiatives aim to deepen collaboration with industry clusters, refine stakeholder engagement strategies, and ensure that innovation procurement processes are well aligned with the capabilities of emerging technology providers.)
Strengthening the Knowledge Base
Surveys involving ILOs, BSOs, and companies have shaped the development of training manuals and tools to ensure they are stakeholder-driven and practice-oriented. A key outcome from WP2 was the planned launch of a Community of Practice (CoP)—a central platform to connect ILOs, BSOs, companies, and experts. Partners discussed strategies to attract experts and foster discussion on innovation procurement themes.
Exploring Subatomic Physics at Nikhef
Lastly, the team enjoyed a guided tour of NIKHEF. They focus on conducting cutting-edge research in subatomic physics. As the Dutch national institute for this field, NIKHEF explores the fundamental building blocks of the universe, their interactions, and the structure of space and time.
Looking Ahead
As the INPROCAP project moves into the second half of 2025, partners remain committed to advancing a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful approach to innovation procurement. Particularly within the Big Science ecosystem. The solid progress achieved so far, combined with strengthened partnerships and a growing network of engaged stakeholders, sets the stage for continued success.
With training programs underway, industry clusters engaged, and new tools in development, the consortium is well-positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes in the months ahead.
Stay connected for more updates as INPROCAP continues to shape the future of innovation procurement in Europe.
