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The role of government buyers in shaping firm productivity
Public procurement is a major economic force in the UK, accounting for £385 billion annually. While procurement is widely recognized for its ability to stimulate innovation, create market opportunities, and...

Place-based collaborative opportunities and challenges for public procurement of innovation
Public procurement is a powerful tool for economic growth, innovation, and social impact. Local governments play a crucial role in shaping regional economies by using procurement strategies to stimulate innovation,...

Public Procurement and Regional Development in the UK
This research brief discusses the implication of recent policy developments, including the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) and the Procurement Act 2023, which highlight the potential for procurement to drive...

Extracting Insights from Procurement Data
Understanding trends in public sector spending, supplier engagement, and funding allocation effectiveness is crucial in building trust in the government. A comprehensive understanding of procurement contracts enhances accountability and provides...

The role of public procurement on the performance of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS)
Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS) are the cornerstone of innovation in a knowledge-based economy. Acting as facilitators, carriers, and sources of innovation, KIBS firms play a pivotal role in enhancing both...

Retrofitting Social Housing in the West Midlands
The UK is at a critical point in its transition to a net-zero future, with one of the most urgent challenges being the retrofitting of social housing to transform them...

Public Procurement and SME’s Innovation in the UK
Public procurement represents a pivotal mechanism for fostering innovation, constituting nearly 15% of GDP in OECD countries. In the UK, this accounts for a significant portion of public expenditure, with...

How to measure procurement with innovation surveys
Public procurement holds significant potential to drive innovation across industries. Despite its importance, the role of public procurement in fostering innovation is underrepresented in the UK Innovation Survey (UKIS). Enhancing...

Mobilising the Power of Local Spending – East Birmingham Inclusive Growth Strategy
The city of Birmingham is using public procurement to address its socioeconomic challenges and make its local economy more equitable.

Practising Innovation in Public Sector Procurement
Conrad Parke, from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), examines both theoretical and applied aspects of Practising Innovation in Public Sector Procurement in two research briefs.

Transparency on the reporting of public procurement information
With the public sector spending £400Bn per annum, and the need to deliver more for less across local, regional and national government, the need to better understand how money is...

Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation
In an era of complex societal challenges and rapid technological advancement, governments are constantly seeking innovative ways to address public needs and stimulate economic growth.