Innovation partnership procurement: EU directive impact

In consultations prior to the UK government's response to changes to the EU procurement directives, the impact and innovation of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were examined to try to ensure a positive impact across the industry. To produce innovation, a new innovation partnership procedure was introduced. Subsequent to publication of the procedure, this paper examines perceptions from tenderers and the government. Seventy-one completed questionnaire responses were received from tenderers, with a further 19 from government procurers. The findings indicate that 69% of tenderers intend involvement in the future, but the government is evenly split on the ability to use the procedure and is unsure as to its benefits. While the majority considered that little change would result in relation to value for money, speed of innovation to market and increase in innovative solutions, more were positive than negative towards the procedure. Even though economic operators are keen to use it, there is little desire for its use within government departments, despite the fact that considering it would increase SME involvement.