The 2nd Innovative Public Procurement Forum, organized by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) in Krakow, gathered representatives of public administration, local governments, healthcare institutions, and public services to explore how innovative procurement can better address real institutional needs. Participants learned about practical applications of pre-commercial procurement (PCP), methods for defining research challenges, and opportunities for implementing this model in their organizations.

Funded through the European Funds for Modern Economy program, the event supports wider adoption of innovation-friendly tools that foster energy, digital, and organizational transformation. NCBR emphasized that innovative public procurement enables institutions to shape emerging technologies rather than rely on existing, imperfect solutions. PCP stands out by commissioning R&D work to create technologies not yet available on the market, using a staged competitive process that reduces risk and ensures solutions meet actual needs.

Speakers highlighted the importance of proper needs diagnosis, regulatory flexibility within current Public Procurement Law, and a mindset shift toward problem-based purchasing. The Forum featured expert panels, discussions on local innovation in Krakow, and hands-on workshops led by European and NCBR specialists. As part of the strategic “Innovative Public Procurement” project, the initiative aims to launch at least 15 PCP projects and equip institutions with practical tools for implementing them.

(WBJ)