Pre-commercial procurement as the key development source of innovative information services and solution – a case study

Abstract

The level of understanding and experience with implementing pre-commercial procurement (PCP) varies among European Union (EU) countries. Although PCP contributes to effective R&D and innovative services, Slovenia is still unable to complete innovative projects successfully under the existing commercial procurement model. This article emphasizes the need to supplement the current Slovenian public procurement model for the development of innovative services with reference to European guidelines. Via the case study of a Slovenian public organization, the article presents the contribution of utilization of the PCP model in an R&D-oriented information service. Such an approach could also prove very useful outside the public sector for all organizations wishing to manage risk and ensure their innovation is realized at the lowest cost possible. This article also identifies and presents the experiences and best practices of successful innovative projects based on the PCP model that improve cooperation between the public organization and the service provider. These findings contribute to scientific literature and act as a guide for Slovenian regulators.