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4 October 2018

“Win-Win for European Economy” – Procure2Innovate Network Officially Launched in the Netherlands

Procure2Innovate, the strategic innovation procurement network funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, has been officially launched at the EcoProcura conference in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Procure2Innovate is an ambitious four-year project which aims to create a lasting European network of expertise in innovation procurement – a vital tool which the European Union is eager to see moving markets and investment for the creation of more innovation in the bloc.

The network is formed by “competence centres” in more than 10 European countries – centres from which experts provide advice and key services to public procurers nationwide looking to purchase innovative services and products. These could be in such areas as ICT and healthcare.

“This project can really support European businesses,” said Procure2Innovate co-ordinator Marlene Grauer on the sidelines of the conference.

“By encouraging public procurers to purchase innovative products and services, this project can inspire a range of markets to become more competitive and, in turn, even recognise the value of increased research and development (R&D) spending. This is a win-win for the European economy.”

The Procure2Innovate network comprises five well-established competence centres (in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden) and five newly created centres in Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. But there are firm plans to expand the network and boost its presence across the continent.

To date, both Lithuania and Finland have already joined the network as associate countries.

The network was officially launched today at EcoProcura 2018. This year’s international gathering is a hub of thinking and exchange on public procurement and sustainable procurement practices, and has attracted leaders from business, the European Commission and major European cities.

To read the full press release on the launch of Procure2Innovate: click here.