Lesson 1.2 — What is Innovation Procurement? Definitions & EU Framework
Section 1 · Lesson 1.2 · Approx. 15 min
What is Innovation Procurement? Definitions & EU Framework
Watch the embedded video above, then use this page to review the central ideas, comparisons and practical implications.
Lesson content
This lesson builds the conceptual and legal foundation for the course. It explains what innovation procurement means in EU practice and maps the main instruments available to public buyers.
What you will learn
- Explain the EU meaning of innovation and innovation procurement
- Identify the legal anchor in Directive 2014/24/EU
- Distinguish three ways procurement can support innovation
- Group the main instruments by purpose
- Choose an instrument only after clarifying the need and market maturity
Three ways procurement supports innovation
Purchase innovationBuy R&D services or innovative solutions through PCP, PPI or Innovation Partnership.
Encourage innovative suppliersUse market consultation, functional requirements and value engineering to create space for better solutions.
Innovate the procedureUse flexible processes such as Competitive Dialogue or Competitive Procedure with Negotiation when requirements need market input.
Key terms
| Innovation | A new or significantly improved product, service, process or method. |
|---|---|
| Directive 2014/24/EU | The main EU public procurement directive; Article 2(22) defines innovation. |
| PCP | Pre-Commercial Procurement: competitive purchasing of R&D services. |
| PPI | Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions: purchasing innovative solutions ready for wider deployment. |
Decision principle
Do not start with a preferred procedure. First define the problem, check what the market can already provide and identify how much development is still required.
Before you continue
Reflection: Is your current challenge mainly about buying a new solution, creating space for innovative suppliers, or using a more flexible procurement process?
Lesson resources: use the accompanying slides as a visual map of the innovation procurement instruments.
