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Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)

The Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre helps public authorities unlock better, faster, greener and more cost-effective outcomes by using procurement as a tool to bring in innovation.

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Empowering innovation through procurement

The Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) helps councils and local authorities use procurement as a tool to unlock better, faster, greener and more cost-effective outcomes. We provide practical support, expert guidance and shared learning to overcome procurement barriers and bring innovation into the public sector.

Through tailored support programmes, thought leadership, and collaborative partnerships, IPEC is helping shape a new standard for procurement practice under the Procurement Act 2023. Our work has already led to real improvements in service delivery, infrastructure and operational efficiency across the UK.

Get involved by joining our community, taking part in our cohort programme or accessing our open resources and insights.

Find out more in our FAQs, or get in touch at contact@ipec.org.uk.

Our focus

Support programme

We provide hands-on guidance, training, and tailored support to help public authorities tackle procurement challenges and adopt innovative solutions.

Research and thought leadership

We produce insight-led resources and case studies that explore how innovation can improve procurement outcomes across the public sector.

Stakeholder engagement

We connect public sector leaders, industry experts and policymakers to share knowledge, build partnerships and influence positive change in procurement practice.

Partners

Research

Find out more

Our ambition is to deepen understanding of the effectiveness of innovation procurement in driving innovation for better public services while boosting economic growth. Working with regional and local authorities we can disseminate best practice and empower local decision makers.

Meet the Academic urging creative delivery in the procurement of rail projects

Article / Meet the Academic urging creative delivery in the procurement of rail projects

Ian Heptinstall is drawing on over 30 years’ experience gained as a project manager and consultant to champion the benefits of innovative procurement and critical analysis in construction, as a Researcher in Residence with Connected Places Catapult.
Meet the Academic showing how public procurement can aid net zero aims

Article / Meet the Academic showing how public procurement can aid net zero aims

Meet the Academic championing more material reuse

Article / Meet the Academic championing more material reuse

Latest news

IPEC’s response to Public Procurement: Growing British industry, jobs and skills – consultation
Article

IPEC’s response to Public Procurement: Growing British industry, jobs and skills – consultation

The Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC), an initiative of Connected Places Catapult. We help councils and local authorities use procurement to unlock better, faster, greener and more cost-effective outcomes.
Procurement as a Hidden Powerhouse for Innovation
Article

Procurement as a Hidden Powerhouse for Innovation

Public sector leaders who open themselves up to new ideas can find better and smarter ways of achieving their goals.
From Challenge to Opportunity: Senior Leaders on Procurement Innovation
Report

From Challenge to Opportunity: Senior Leaders on Procurement Innovation

The Senior Leaders Casebook is your essential guide to turning procurement into a strategic lever for innovation.
The City Deal Delivery for Cambridge
Case Study

The City Deal Delivery for Cambridge

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is delivering the City Deal for Cambridge, which supports the delivery of 44,000 new jobs and 33,500 new homes by 2031.
Dorset’s Digital Innovation Dynamic Purchasing System
Case Study

Dorset's Digital Innovation Dynamic Purchasing System

Dorset Council provides local council services in one of the most diverse and rural areas of the country.
Procurement Act: Reflections from Rikesh Shah
Article

Procurement Act: Reflections from Rikesh Shah

Rikesh Shah, newly appointed Chair of IPEC’s Advisory Committee, reflects on the work underway to embed innovation in the procurement process, and how IPEC is developing a suite of tools to instil confidence in organisations as they get to grips with the new Procurement Act.

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Fact sheet

Download our fact sheet for a short summery on IPEC.

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Connect with us

Follow us on LinkedIn, and join our IPEC community group to share insights with like minded professionals.

Find out more in our FAQs, or get in touch at contact@ipec.org.uk.

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