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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.

The Big Science Industry Forum Spain 2025 (BSIFS 2025), held in Madrid, served as one of the most relevant regional events for Southern Europe under the INPROCAP project. The forum brought together industry, scientific infrastructures, academia, and public administration to explore how innovative procurement and new contracting models can strengthen Europe’s Big Science ecosystem. With participants from Spain and across Europe, BSIFS reaffirmed its position as a key meeting point for companies seeking to engage with large scientific facilities.

The second INPROCAP webinar, held on 27 November 2025, focused on one of the most critical yet often overlooked phases of innovation procurement: needs assessment and the identification of unmet needs.

INPROCAP took part in the Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTI) Summit 2025 in Copenhagen on 22–23 October. It was an event held under the Danish EU Presidency and convened leading RTIs, Big Science Organisations, industry, and EU-funded projects. INPROCAP partner PEDAL Consulting, s.r.o. presented the project’s training pathway and capacity-building work to advance innovation-friendly procurement across the Big Science ecosystem. It engaged with RTI leaders and companies on skills needs, practical tools, and opportunities for collaboration.

The first INPROCAP webinar, held on 17 October 2025, officially launched the project’s series of trainings and capacity-building webinars. The session introduced participants to the fundamentals of innovation procurement and outlined the structure of the forthcoming INPROCAP training manuals and learning pathway.

Innovation procurement is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for driving progress in the Big Science sector. However, the needs of stakeholders differ — companies are looking for opportunities to enter new markets, Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs) are expected to provide specialist advisory support, and Big Science Organisations (BSOs) require advanced procurement expertise. To address these diverse requirements, the INPROCAP project has designed a comprehensive training programme that brings together shared objectives with tailored approaches.

On 1 October 2025, partners of the INPROCAP project met in Taastrup, Denmark, for the project’s Review Meeting with Project Officer Silvi Serregi. Hosted by the Danish Technological Institute, this key milestone provided a collaborative platform to review progress, exchange insights, and align strategies for the next phase of implementation. Focusing on innovation procurement within the Big Science sector, the meeting brought together experts from across Europe to share experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and define concrete actions to strengthen future cooperation and training initiatives.

Eight of the world’s leading research facilities joined Nordic researchers and high-tech companies in Lund, Sweden, for AIMday Big Science Technology 2025 on 30 September 2025. This year’s edition was dedicated to Green Tech Solutions. For the first time, the high-profile event was jointly organised by BigScience.dk, Big Science Sweden, and the INPROCAP project. Together, we managed to create a truly dynamic meeting place for open discussion and collaboration between research infrastructures, academia, and industry.

Procurement is one of the most powerful tools available to the public sector. Not only does it help acquire goods and services but it also has the potential to shape markets, stimulate research and development, and accelerate the uptake of innovative solutions. In many cases, however, procurement is still seen as a rigid and slow process that holds back innovation. This perception is particularly evident in sectors where new solutions are urgently needed, such as security. Yet, with the right approaches and instruments, procurement can be transformed into a true driver of innovation.

On 28 May 2025, Warsaw became the epicentre of public sector innovation with the Innovation Procurement Forum. Hosted by Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development, the event gathered public officials, researchers, European Commission representatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, they explored how innovative procurement mechanisms—particularly Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) and Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI)—can transform public services and accelerate Europe’s twin green and digital transitions.