Lesson 2.2 — Why Needs Assessment Matters in Innovation Procurement
Section 2 · Lesson 2.2 · Approx. 15 min
Why Needs Assessment Matters in Innovation Procurement
Watch the embedded video above, then use this page to review the definition of an unmet need, the common pitfalls and the value created by a strong needs assessment.
Lesson content
Jozef Kubinec explains why innovation procurement fails when organisations begin with a technology or preferred solution. The lesson positions needs assessment at the start of the EAFIP methodology and shows how outcome-based needs create clarity, competition and measurable value.
What you will learn
- Define an unmet need in innovation-procurement terms
- Recognise service, policy, efficiency and regulatory triggers
- Distinguish an outcome-based need from a solution-first statement
- Explain where needs assessment sits in the EAFIP pathway
- Avoid four common needs-assessment pitfalls
Solution-first or outcome-first?
Avoid: “We need AI-powered software.”This pre-selects a technology before the problem and market possibilities are understood.
Prefer: “We need to reduce client response time from 48 hours to 4 hours.”This defines a measurable outcome and leaves the market free to propose how to achieve it.
Key terms
| Unmet need | A current or future requirement that existing arrangements cannot meet acceptably. |
|---|---|
| Latent need | A need that exists but has not yet been clearly expressed or recognised. |
| EAFIP pathway | A step-by-step innovation-procurement methodology beginning with research and needs assessment. |
| Buy-in | Stakeholder understanding, support and commitment to the defined need. |
What a good needs assessment creates
Clarity
Focus
Innovation
Measurability
Buy-in
Focus
Innovation
Measurability
Buy-in
Before you continue
Reflection: Rewrite one solution-first statement from your organisation as a measurable outcome.
Lesson resource: download “S2-L2 — Why Needs Assessment Matters” for the EAFIP pathway, triggers, benefits and pitfalls.
