New book provides comprehensive information on PPI
A new publication released by Edward Elgar Publishing provides a wide-ranging analysis of public procurement as an innovation policy tool. Titled Public Procurement for Innovation, the book considers PPI from a theoretical perspective and a more practical standpoint. Innovation policy has traditionally been aimed at supply side issues, however a growth in demand-side interventions in the last decade has led to a greater understanding of how public authorities can use their purchasing power to push the market to help overcome challenges such as transport planning, energy efficiency and urban growth.
As well as considering the development of research and policy in the field of innovation, the book also looks at the challenges involved in innovation procurement. These include the translation of need into functional requirements, using innovation to promote sustainability, PPI in developing countries and more practical challenges such as assessing risk and capacity building.
Gaynor Whyles, who sits on the PPI Platform Advisory Board, is one of the contributors to the book. Her expertise is in using forward commitment procurement as a practical tool to engage with suppliers and develop innovative solutions to identified needs. Drawing on experiences in the health sector, Ms Whyles shows how effective market engagement can help suppliers overcome perceived risks by working together to refine outcomes and identify wider demand for innovative products.
For more information, visit Elgar online.