Big Science Organisations play a key role in driving technological progress through large-scale research infrastructures. To meet increasingly complex scientific and societal challenges, these organisations rely on advanced solutions that are often not yet available on the market. Innovation procurement therefore represents a strategic tool to connect Big Science needs with industrial capabilities, enabling the development of novel technologies while strengthening European innovation ecosystems.
Building on insights from engagement with industry clusters, prime contractors and innovation-driven companies, this article outlines key conclusions, challenges and practical recommendations for improving innovation procurement practices in the Big Science context.
Key conclusions
Industry has strong experience in delivering complex solutions for Big Science infrastructures and is well positioned to contribute to technological advancement. However, innovation is often not explicitly incentivised in procurement processes. While new ideas frequently emerge during project delivery, rigid procedures and prescriptive technical specifications can limit innovation potential.
Early and structured dialogue with suppliers has proven to be critical. When industry is involved at an early stage, feasibility improves, risks are reduced and solutions are better aligned with real needs. Importantly, experience shows that BSOs can retain innovation leadership even when development activities are partially outsourced, provided that roles, responsibilities and long-term objectives are clearly defined.
Long-term operability, supplier stability and a well-designed intellectual property framework also play a decisive role in successful innovation procurement.
Key challenges
Despite positive practices, several recurring challenges remain:
- Limited flexibility in procurement procedures
- Overly detailed or unclear technical specifications
- Late involvement of industry and innovation ecosystems
- Lack of structured approaches to outsourcing innovation
- Insufficient incentives for co-development
- Fragmented engagement with industry clusters
These challenges can discourage participation, particularly from small and medium-sized enterprises, and reduce the overall innovation impact of procurement activities.
Recommendations for Big Science Organisations
To strengthen innovation procurement practices, Big Science Organisations can benefit from the following approaches:
- Clarify make-or-buy strategies
Decisions on in-house development versus outsourcing should be based on the uniqueness and global availability of required competencies. - Use performance-based specifications
Defining what is needed, rather than prescribing how solutions should be developed, enables suppliers to propose innovative approaches. - Engage industry early
Early supplier dialogue helps refine needs, improve specifications and manage technical and financial risk. - Adopt phased and modular procurement models
Dividing procurement into stages allows flexibility and supports collaboration with different partners across the innovation lifecycle. - Strengthen intellectual property frameworks
Clear and fair IP arrangements are essential to reward co-development while ensuring long-term access for BSOs. - Collaborate more closely with industry clusters
Industry clusters can support matchmaking, consortium building and access to broader innovation ecosystems.
Looking ahead
Innovation procurement in Big Science is most effective when flexibility, early engagement and partnership-based approaches are embedded into procurement strategies. By working more closely with industry and clusters, BSOs can unlock innovation while maintaining control, reducing risk and ensuring long-term value.
