On 24 February 2026, the INPROCAP consortium delivered its fourth webinar in the training series. We focused on Open Market Consultation (OMC) as a strategic instrument in innovation procurement. The session brought together nearly 50 participants, including procurement professionals, Industrial Liaison Officers, and representatives from Big Science Organisations. The aim was to discover how early market engagement drives better procurement outcomes.
A Strategic Tool, Not a Formality
Webinar 4 explored OMC not just as a legal requirement, but as a practical tool for shaping procurement strategy. Participants gained insight into how early market consultation can:
- improve understanding of what the market can deliver;
- clarify needs before launching formal procurement;
- reduce risk and uncertainty early in the process;
- support the emergence of more innovative solutions.
This strategic perspective positions OMC as a valuable step that strengthens decision-making and increases the chances of successful procurement outcomes.
Focus on Practical Planning and Formats
Speakers emphasised that effective OMC depends on careful preparation. Key planning elements include:
- defining exactly what information the organisation needs from the market;
- identifying the right audience and potential contributors;
- selecting the consultation format that best matches the objectives;
- promoting the consultation to ensure broad participation.
Participants learned that Open Market Consultation can take multiple forms, i.e.written questionnaires, interactive workshops, bilateral meetings or industry events. Each of them is suited to different goals and levels of complexity.
Designing Industry Days for Early Supplier Engagement
A significant part of the discussion focused on Industry Days as one of the most effective formats for early supplier engagement – especially in the Big Science context. These events create structured interaction between procurers and potential suppliers, enabling:
- matching technological needs with market capabilities;
- transparent dialogue about challenges and expectations;
- early exchange that lays the foundation for innovation partnerships.
The session highlighted how transparency about risks and realistic expectations supports mutual trust and creates conditions for win-win outcomes between research organisations and industry partners.
Practical Takeaways from the Webinar
Participants left the session with actionable insights, including:
- clearly definition of the purpose and scope of their OMC;
- thinking proactively about the type of market insight they want;
- choosing the right event format and actively promoting it;
- planning internally before engaging the external market;
- understanding that conducting an OMC does not mandate procurement launch.
These lessons reinforce the role of early market engagement as a strategic lever that extends beyond compliance into value creation.
Strengthening Innovation Procurement Capacity
Webinar 4 is part of the broader INPROCAP training programme aimed at building innovation procurement capacity within the Big Science ecosystem. By combining legal foundations with practical, real-world insights, the series supports organisations and stakeholders in approaching procurement with confidence and strategic intent.
