The European Commission’s DG GROW will host a conference on Strategic Public Procurement in Paris on 2 June which aims to raise awareness among decision makers and the procurement community about the benefits of strategic procurement, with an emphasis on sustainability, social responsibility and innovation.

The draft programme includes opening speeches by Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for Internal Market Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, and addresses across two sessions the key policy and implementation challenges in strategic public procurement. Moderated panel discussions will consider both Political Ownership and Policies for Strategic Public Procurement, and latterly the importance of market consultation and designing reward criteria.

Prospective participants should complete the online registration form by 9 May to indicate their interest in attending the conference, which has limited spaces. Participation at the conference is free although costs for accommodation and travel will not be reimbursed.

For more information and to register, visit the DG GROW website.