11 May 2021

On 8 April, the European Innovation Council (EIC) launched the first edition of the EU Innovation Procurement Awards (#EUIPAwards), to recognise the efforts made by public and private buyers (procurers) to promote and implement innovation procurement across Europe. By doing so, they help European SMEs and start-ups to bring their innovative products and services to market.

The prize supports the community of European procurers to share, work together and inspire each other in the design of innovative procurement processes, and particularly in the delivery of modern and efficient public services. It features three categories:

  • ‘Innovation procurement strategy’ award, which rewards long-term strategies that trigger different innovation procurements, sustainable solutions and practices,
  • ‘Facing societal challenges’ award that rewards innovative procurement practice aimed at facing the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • ‘Procurement leadership’ award that recognises outstanding individual(s) who empower(s) their team to succeed and trigger innovation procurement practices.

Each category will reward the winner with EUR 75 000 and one runner-up with EUR 25 000.

This initiative will directly contribute to EU competitiveness, by opening a route-to-market for new players, especially SMEs. They also help larger companies to bring innovative products to the market, stimulating cross-border company growth and the creation of jobs. Innovation procurement also serves to tackle the most pressing societal needs. In other words, all ICC cities are encouraged to nominate candidates and thereby directly contribute to more innovative cities! 

Find out more information and how to apply for the award here.