PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NEWS

  

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29 October 2013

PPI Platform launch offers exciting new resource for procurers

With Europe’s economy facing serious challenges, there is a need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to stimulate the market. Recognising this, ICLEI has co-developed the Procurement of Innovation Platform, an online hub that helps public authorities, procurers, policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders harness the power of Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) and Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP). The platform has been developed with support from the European Commission, and in partnership with PIANOo, REC and IWT. It will be launched today at a high-level event in Brussels (Belgium) on 29 October 2013.

“Public procurement of sustainable and innovative goods and services is one of the essential tools for stimulating new technological or service solutions while helping to create jobs and boosting the competitiveness of the European industry and SMEs. It also encourages more efficient public services.” said Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the EC and European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship. Custom-made to meet user’s needs, the Procurement of Innovation Platform is comprised of three elements: Website, Procurement Forum, and Resource Centre.

The website contains the latest news on PPI and PCP developments and events, as well as policy support, and background information on the European legal framework. The Procurement Forum is a networking space for procurers and stakeholders from around Europe. The Resource Centre provides a database for PPI guidance, making useful documents accessible in one place. In addition, the platform will provide hands-on support. A series of training courses will focus on tools and techniques, while an experience exchange programme will be held between public authorities. European local authorities will also be invited to apply for the Public Procurement of Innovation Award, to be presented to those that purchase innovative, effective and efficient products and services.

For more information, or to sign up to the Platform, visit www.innovation-procurement.org.