European Innovation Procurement Awards 2022: call opens for buyers and innovators

On 22 March 2022 the European Commission launched the 2022 edition of the European Innovation Procurement Awards known as EUIPA. The prize is supported by the European Innovation Council under the Horizon Europe programme and aims to recognise public and private actors that use procurement to stimulate innovation. Interested parties had until 22 June 2022, 17:00 CET, to submit applications. An online information day for applicants was scheduled for 26 April 2022.

What the awards seek to reward

EUIPA is intended to spotlight procurement practices that promote demand driven innovation. The organisers present innovation procurement as a tool to create new sustainable markets and to address societal challenges including climate change. The prize is aimed at recognising the use of procurement to buy research and development services, to acquire novel solutions, or to establish frameworks that make procurement itself more innovation friendly.

Categories, prizes and application logistics

The contest awards six prizes in total. The rules note where additional detail and award criteria can be found on the awards page. The competition is run under the rules of contest set out by the Commission and managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, commonly referred to as EISMEA.

Who can apply and eligibility conditions

Award criteria and what evaluators will look for

The awards use a set of criteria intended to identify practices that produce transformation and wider uptake. Applicants are asked to provide indicators and evidence to support claims of impact and scalability. The competition emphasises collaboration and the facilitation of procurement access for innovative SMEs and startups.

Who runs the prize and how winners are chosen

EUIPA is one of the EIC Prizes under Horizon Europe. The prize is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. Winners are selected following assessments by juries made up of independent high level experts. The organisers reference an assessment process that includes evaluation by experts and juries but applicants should expect standard competitive selection procedures including evidence checks and verification of eligibility.

Context and caveats

Innovation procurement is increasingly promoted across EU policy as a demand side tool that can help turn research results into marketable solutions. The European Innovation Council and the EISMEA sit within the Horizon Europe architecture which has significant resources and ambitious targets for scaling deep tech. Recognition programmes such as EUIPA are part of a wider policy push to mobilise procurement authorities and to open procurement markets to startups and SMEs.

A note of caution is warranted. Awards and visibility can support best practice but do not in themselves guarantee systemic change. The organisers expect applicants to provide KPIs and supporting documentation. Policymakers and judges typically seek evidence of actual deployment and market uptake rather than assertions of potential. Independent follow up and repeatable evidence are useful when claims about market creation or societal impact are made.

Background and previous edition

The first edition of the European Innovation Procurement Awards took place in 2021 and winners were announced at the inaugural European Innovation Council Summit in 2021. EUIPA forms part of the EIC prizes portfolio under Horizon Europe. The prize has been presented as a way to increase the visibility of innovation procurement practices and to provide financial recognition to successful procurers and implementing organisations.

How to apply and where to find more information

Applications for the 2022 edition were open until 22 June 2022 at 17:00 CET. Rules of Contest and award criteria are published on the awards page of the European Innovation Council website. The contest is managed by EISMEA and further questions could be directed to EISMEA-EUIPAWARDS@ec.europa.eu. Applicants were invited to register for the Info Day on 26 April 2022.

Practical advice for applicants

When preparing an entry, applicants should be precise about dates and scope of the procurement practice and provide supporting documentation. Quantified KPIs showing deployment and replication are more persuasive than aspirational statements. Where claims of creating new markets or delivering societal impact are made applicants should include evidence of supplier engagement including participation by SMEs and startups. Applicants should also explain how practices are transferable to other administrations or sectors.

Follow the hashtag #EUIPAwards on social media for updates and announcements. Bear in mind that award programmes can raise visibility and help diffusion but applicants should evaluate whether the recognition will translate into practical follow on benefits for suppliers and procurers.