Seven European consortium partners have officially kicked off a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing innovation procurement capabilities within Big Science Organisations (BSOs). The project, named INPROCAP (Building Innovation Procurement Capabilities in Big Science), is set to span the next three years, during which it aims to bolster the effectiveness and reach of procurement processes in the realm of large-scale scientific research.
Coordinated by Teknologisk Institut Denmark, INPROCAP brings together a diverse group of international partners dedicated to creating a robust framework for innovative procurement within BSOs. This initiative is critical as it addresses the growing demand for a wide range of products and services essential to advancing scientific research and infrastructure.
The key objectives of the INPROCAP project include:
- Developing a Sustainable Advisory Platform: Establishing and enhancing the role of Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs) to support innovation procurement.
- Integrating Innovative Procurement Practices: Introducing and standardizing advanced procurement practices across the Big Science market to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Encouraging Participation from Start-ups and SMEs: Motivating small and medium-sized enterprises from across Europe to engage in innovation procurement processes related to Big Science.
- Providing Specialist Advisory Services: Offering expert advice on innovation procurement to public procurers within BSOs, facilitated by dedicated officers.
- Standardizing Innovation Procurement: Making innovation procurement a standard tool within the Big Science sector to streamline and optimize the procurement process.
The consortium is composed of partners from Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Sweden, reflecting a broad and collaborative European effort to push the boundaries of science through innovative procurement practices. As the project progresses, it is expected to create significant opportunities for scientific advancement and strengthen the international market for Big Science infrastructure.
