The European Commission has published "Scale up with the public sector. A brochure for startups". The document aims to assist start-ups in navigating the public procurement market and to equip them with the necessary knowledge to participate in procurement procedures. It provides valuable information on innovation partnerships and outlines the significant role public buyers can play in fostering the development of new markets for start-ups. It is available in all EU languages.

The brochure notes that EU public procurement rules have enabled public buyers to design procedures suited not just large companies but also to smaller innovative suppliers and start-ups. Accounting for over 14% of gross domestic product (GDP), EU public procurement is a huge market for innovative products and services, but its potential is underused.

The EC believes that public investment and innovation are both essential to meet the challenges of the post-pandemic recovery, the green and digital transitions and the creation of a more resilient economy in the EU. As standard- bearers of innovation, start-ups and especially the most entrepreneurial and imaginative among them – can bring significant innovation into the public sector.

The full brochure can be downloaded here.