Launch of SMART Procurement Report & Guide

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment 23 rd July 2009

Buying Innovation

The 10 Step Guide Project Team: Lorraine Benson - DETE Wendy Gray - DETE Catherine Mac Enri - Forfás

Context

 R&D investment by Government  Drive SME growth  Cut red tape for small business  SMART Economy Action Plan  “Bord Snip” Report

The Innovation ecosystem Linking firms, knowledge and public sector

R&D funding & Skills Procurement Commercialisation Regulation

What is procurement of innovation?

In essence it ’ s about purchasing new, better and more efficient solutions in a new way to encourage the growth of innovative and dynamic businesses.

Why procurement of innovation?

 Annual public spend is approx. €10bn on goods and services  Give innovative firms opportunities and provide a springboard for competing on global markets.

Report with Recommendations

Procurement is not a chore. It’s a strategic function.

13 actions aimed at:



Easier access for SMEs



Professionalising public procurement



Changing the culture towards smart procurement;

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Tracking our progress

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Using the 10 Step Guide

Buying Innovation – 10 Step Guide The purpose of this initiative is twofold:

1. Highlights actions at each step of the public procurement process to encourage innovation.

2. Highlights actions to facilitate improved access for SMEs to public contracts.

10 Steps

1.

Identifying the Need 6.

Design the tender 2.

Defining & Refining User Requirements based on market information 3.

Ascertain the Budget available 4.

5.

Engagement with the market prior to tendering Decide the best process for procurement 7.

Tender Exercise 8.

Contract Award 9.

Contract Management, Review and Evaluation 10.

Lessons for the Future

‘ Driving Growth through Innovation ’

Launch of SMART Procurement Report & Guide

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment 23 rd July 2009