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
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.
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
Our research partners
City REDI (University of Birmingham)
Manchester Institute of innovation Research (MIoIR)
Researchers in residence
Researcher in Residence (RiR) is an initiative developed by The Innovation Launchpad Network+, Innovate UK, 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.
Dr Ian Heptinstall
Dr Katherine Sugar
Dr Luis Torres
Meet our research team
Rikesh Shah
Malcolm Harbour CBE
Nick Woodward
Prof Elvira Uyarra
