Empowering innovation through procurement

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.

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.

Resources

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.
A practical guide to pre-market engagement
Report

A practical guide to pre-market engagement

The incoming Procurement Act 2023 prioritises Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to simplify processes, boost innovation, and enhance supplier diversity.
Art of the possible
Report

Art of the possible

The Art of the Possible unlocks the power of the Procurement Act 2023, empowering anyone engaged in making and executing public investment in new products and services to define creative & innovative strategies, while maintaining full compliance.

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.

Through our support programmes, research, and stakeholder engagement, we help organisations overcome barriers to innovation and create lasting impact.

Resources & insights

Transforming UK public procurement in the post-Brexit era
Article

Transforming UK public procurement in the post-Brexit era

Public procurement under the Procurement Act 2023 aims to drive innovation and social value through flexible, strategic practices. This brief outlines key lessons for effective implementation.
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.
Procuring Innovation with Confidence: Practical Workshop for Local Councils
Video

Procuring Innovation with Confidence: Practical Workshop for Local Councils

Watch this on demand workshop to learn how local councils can approach innovation procurement with confidence. The session covers the key stage of defining challenges with practical insights and peer to peer learning.
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.
Qflow’s Expansion on HS2
Case Study

Qflow's Expansion on HS2

Qflow is a cutting-edge software solution that leverages machine learning to help developers and construction teams track and manage waste and materials on live construction and renovation sites.
Breaking down barriers to procurement – Overcoming Challenges with Practical Solutions
Video

Breaking down barriers to procurement – Overcoming Challenges with Practical Solutions

This interactive session featuring global innovation leaders explored real barriers in procurement and how organisations can navigate them to foster innovation.