PROCEDIN, a leading force in driving innovation within the Circular Economy and Green Mobility, recently participated in the International Conference on Public Procurement and Innovation in South Africa. Held on the 14th and 15th of November, this unique event, organised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in collaboration with the African Procurement Law Unit, aimed to elevate the discourse around public procurement and innovation in the African context.
The NRF, committed to addressing the lack of attention to public procurement and innovation in Africa, sought to establish a community of practice to advance knowledge in this critical area. The event brought together global experts and thought leaders from across the world to explore how public procurement can catalyze and support innovation, with a focus on strategies to enhance innovation outcomes.
At the forefront of this international gathering, Prof Dr Louise Knight, Coordinator of the PROCEDIN Project and Professor of Public Sector and Healthcare Procurement at the University of Twente, delivered a thought-provoking presentation. Titled “Network Learning for Procurement of Innovation: A framework to guide theories of (systemic) change,” Prof. Knight provided a pan-European perspective on capacity building in Procurement of Innovation (POI).
PROCEDIN garnered recognition as a promising European initiative during engaging discussions. The project’s commitment to accelerating the development of the innovation ecosystem within European cities, enhancing POI capabilities, and expediting the growth of Circular Economy and Green Mobility seamlessly aligned with the conference’s overarching objectives.
PROCEDIN’s active participation in the International Conference on Public Procurement and Innovation in South Africa highlighted its pivotal role in shaping the future of public procurement and innovation. The project’s contributions not only align with global objectives but also showcase its commitment to driving positive change on a broader scale.
