The 2008 Public Procurement of Innovative Science & Technology Solutions Report

Distinct from the Horizon Programme, MATRIX conducted a study into the use of public procurement as an instrument to find and implement innovative solutions to issues faced by the public sector.

This tightly focused study has been undertaken by a sub-panel of MATRIX with expert advice and support from SQW Consulting (SQWC).

The study focused on two strands, namely:

• A review of Government policy to use public procurement to encourage SMEs to increase their levels of R&D and science and technology innovation;
• An investigation of the potential for establishing a targeted small scale pilot in a distinct high technology area e.g. ICT or Medical Services in order to demonstrate best practice.

The report makes recommendations into how public procurement can be undertaken in more innovative ways in Northern Ireland.