IPEC > IPEC Research

IPEC Research

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.

Overview of IPEC Research

With the launch of the UK Innovation Strategy in 2021, and the Innovation, Science and Technology Framework in 2023, deploying public procurement as a driver of innovation has been recognised as a central UK policy objective. The 2024 Framework update said “We know that public procurement is a powerful lever to drive innovation nationally and nurture creativity and growth in local business communities”. However, as the Strategy spells out “the overall culture, expertise and incentive structure of the public sector means there is a low appetite for risk and experimentation”.

Publications

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How to measure procurement with innovation surveys

Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre commissioned experts from the University of Manchester to develop evidence-base to inform procurement processes unlocking the full potential of government spending to drive the transformation of UK economy.

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

IPEC Research, a centre funded by the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre, commissioned a paper through experts from the University of Manchester to identify some key barriers affecting the transparency of public procurement information in the UK, including data quality issues such as lack of unique identifiers, duplicated records, inconsistent dates, and missing data fields.

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.

Our research partners

City REDI (University of Birmingham)

City REDI is a leading evidence-based and policy-focused academic research institute at the University of Birmingham, focused on inclusive economic, social, and environmental development.

Manchester Institute of innovation Research (MIoIR)

Manchester Institute of innovation Research (MIoIR) is a centre of excellence in the field of innovation studies based at the Alliance Manchester Business School.

Researchers in Residence

Researcher in Residence (RiR) is an initiative developed by The Innovation Launchpad Network+, Innovate UK, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Catapult Network. The scheme supports UK strategic goals, promotes academic engagement and is designed to enable researchers to work with the Catapults, undertaking a project or activity in an area of strategic importance. Successful applicants are awarded up to £50k to cover university salary costs, travel and accommodation during the placement, and consumables used at the host Catapult.