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.
Building an Innovation Ecosystem
A more innovation-friendly approach to procurement requires an ecosystem of procurers, prescribers, legal experts, and other key stakeholders in the security sector. Such networks allow participants to:
- share and analyse procurement trends and needs,
- develop standardised practices from technical, legal, and financial perspectives,
- open pathways for Joint Cross-Border Public Procurement (JCBPP).
Pathways for JCBPP are particularly relevant for innovative and new-to-market solutions, research services, and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. This approach is especially valuable for internal security services, such as border guards, who rely on cutting-edge tools and technologies to perform their missions. Promoting innovation in security procurement and adopting JCBPP and other innovation-friendly approaches help demonstrate that procurement can be a catalyst, not a barrier.
Instruments to Promote Innovation
Several instruments are available to make procurement more innovation-oriented:
- Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP):
Supporting phased R&D services with competitive development and shared risks. - Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI)
Acting as a launch customer for solutions not yet available at scale. - Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC)
Enabling structured dialogue with suppliers to identify capabilities and unmet needs. - Functional Specifications and Value Engineering
Allowing suppliers flexibility to propose innovative approaches and incentivising cost-effective improvements.
Joint Cross-Border Public Procurement
Regulated by EU Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU, JCBPP allows multiple contracting authorities from different Member States to pool demand and resources. This model delivers economies of scale, promotes competition, and facilitates cross-border innovation.
While challenges exist — such as legal complexity, cultural differences, and coordination efforts — the benefits of JCBPP are increasingly recognised. Large cities, border regions, and projects requiring cross-border applications (e.g. satellite services) are already showing strong interest.
Towards a More Innovative Security Procurement
By combining these instruments and practices, public procurement can be repositioned as a catalyst for innovation rather than a barrier. Engaging end users early, encouraging cross-border collaboration, and adopting flexible procurement instruments are essential steps to drive innovation in the security sector.
The lessons learned underline the importance of empowering public buyers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embrace innovation-oriented procurement, ensuring Europe’s security services have access to the most advanced solutions available.
This article is based on insights from the book chapter available at SpringerLink.
Reference (APA): Kubinec, J. (2024). Procurement instruments to promote innovation uptake in the security sector. In E. Conchon, F. Martinez, & T. Renda (Eds.), Security Research and Innovation: From Projects to Real-World Impact (pp. 543–560). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-62083-6_40
