What innovation procurement approaches have demonstrated impact? What are the key lessons that could help embed these practices within other UK regions? What policies and skills will boost innovation in the post-COVID-19 economy?

Join the webinar to hear from our expert panel.

Speakers

• Peter Schofield, Head of Integrated Commissioning and Procurement , Manchester City Council
• Elvira Uyarra, Reader in Innovation Policy and Strategy, Alliance Manchester Business School
• Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés, Chair in Regional Economic Development, University of Birmingham & City-REDI Institute

Agenda

14.30 – Presentations from speakers

15:15 – Panel discussion & questions from audience

16:00 – Webinar ends

Challenging Procurement Programme

Connected Places Catapult is the UK Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Mobility, Smart Cities and the Built Environment. It works with local and national government, academia and industry to accelerate the integration of innovations which boost physical, digital and social connectivity in our countries, cities, towns and communities.

CPC launched a new initiative, Challenging Procurement, in 2019. The objectives are to unleash the potential of public procurement to deliver innovative products and services, while engaging innovative providers, especially SMEs. We have been collecting information and engaging experts from across the ecosystem, bringing together place leaders, procurement professionals, commissioners and innovators in local services, to share experiences of public procurement and identify examples of pioneering practice.

CPC has established a dedicated internet forum, and have initiated a monthly webinar series to showcase the potential of public procurement to deliver innovative products and services. The webinar series will also include quarterly roundtable sessions to provide an avenue for exciting innovators to engage and share their experiences.

In May 2020, CPC published our first report, Radical Innovation for Places. The forum discussion was published on our web site.

The Challenging Procurement team also contributes to CPCs international outreach programmes. Recently publishing a review of innovation procurement strategies g eventslobally with the UK Government: Public Procurement of Innovation. This report was accompanied by a series of webinars organised by the UK Embassy in Brazil.