As global challenges grow in complexity, public procurement has become a vital driver of innovation, connecting public institutions and private businesses to create impactful solutions. Recent insights from Mario Draghi's report point out that although Europe is a world leader in clean tech innovation, it is squandering early-stage advantages owing to the weaknesses in its innovation ecosystem and underscore the critical role of innovation-led procurement that is guided by market needs and consumer demand; thus ensuring that new products and services are relevant and can successfully penetrate the market. 

Through the procurement procedure of innovation partnership which is a kind of public-private partnership, public procurers and innovators are transforming a sector by fostering the development and production  of new products and services that address pressing societal needs.  

From healthcare and environmental sustainability to digital infrastructure, Innovation Partnerships enable forward-thinking approaches to tackle today’s most urgent issues. By nurturing competitiveness and advancing sustainability, procurement-driven innovation not only addresses immediate demands but also strengthens the foundation for long-term economic resilience across Europe. 

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organised the EU Clusters Talk “Procurement Meets Innovation: The Power of Innovation Partnerships” on 13 November 2024, 8:30 – 9:45 CET, to explore how the procurement procedure of Innovation Partnership can be a strategic catalyst for innovation, driving competitiveness and resilience across European industries.

Speakers included:

• Tim van de Laar, Senior Project Manager, Gemeente Amsterdam 
• Corien Struijk, Advisor Cluster Policy and Innovation Procurement, VLAIO 
• Joan Juul, Project Manager, Clean -The Danish Water and Environmental Cluster
• Joan Escudero, Digital Health Director, Evidenze Group 
• Luis Noguera Coll, Public Sector & Legal Director, Science & Innovation Link Office (SILO), Smart City Cluster 

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