PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NEWS

  

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25 July 2013

German competence centre for innovation procurement launched

The total volume of public procurement in Germany amounts to around €300 billion per year. Obviously, this represents a major potential for fostering innovation. By purchasing cutting-edge products and new technological solutions, governments not only save money and energy but also provide industry with the impetus to put innovative products and services on the market. As of 1st of March 2013, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWI) has set up a national German competence centre for innovation procurement.

In addition to providing specialised training and every day information sharing, the competence centre is focusing on piloting pre-commercial procurement activities in Germany. The website will also provide good practices for PCP and PPI procurement. Furthermore, the competence centre will act as a virtual market place in which German procurers can express their innovation needs and communicate with potential suppliers.

In co-operation with the Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME), the Economics Ministry will hold the annual "Contracting Authorities Day", at which public sector contracting authorities can discuss current procurement issues. At the event, the "Innovation schafft Vorsprung" prize ("innovation creates a lead") will be awarded for the most innovative procurement procedure and/or the procurement of an innovative product. The Economics Ministry invites contracting authorities to join the competition by submitting exemplary projects.

To visit the website, click here.