GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

The innovation procurement specialist advisory services are expected to have several main competencies which will help them achieve their goals:

• Specialised knowledge on one or more market sector(s) and increased awareness of the national, regional, or local innovative start-ups and SMEs which are active in their sector(s) of specialisation;
• Strong awareness of market opportunities that exist in their sectors of expertise, namely relevant competitions and calls which are open or planned at national, regional, and local levels;
• Good understanding of both what public procurers demand, but also what innovative suppliers could provide;
• Good technical background on their sectors, being in the position to assess the technical solutions proposed and the potential implications which could emerge from the implementation of an innovative solution. This way, the innovation procurement specialist advisory services should be able to explain to the public buyers the function of the proposed innovative solutions and clarify technical aspects which could negatively affect their risk perception;
• Thorough knowledge of relevant procurement procedures. Consequently, the advisory services should be able to provide clarity in the legal framework for both public buyers and suppliers and eliminate uncertainties that could emerge;
• Strong knowledge of and good connections to innovative SMEs and the start-up environment, including the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the EIT, as well as other EU and national networks (European Enterprise Network, Startup Europe, etc.).

The innovation procurement specialist advisory services are expected to facilitate the essential change of culture of public procurers regarding the adoption of innovative solutions by diminishing their resistance to change and risk-averse perceptions.