Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)

🌍 Calling all innovators: Drone and technology solutions wanted Somerset Council is looking for solutions to support environmental monitoring and disaster response using drones or related technology. The opportunity includes a pilot phase with potential to scale, with a total value of around £498k including VAT.   Interested suppliers are invited to: • Register your interest by emailing [email protected] including your organisation’s name and main contact details. • Upon receipt of your expression of interest, the team will provide a pre market engagement questionnaire for completion. • All completed questionnaires must be submitted by 16:00 on Friday 7 November 2025. • Responses will help shape future requirements and inform potential market solutions. Let’s shape the future of climate resilience and disaster readiness together. #Innovation #DroneTech #ClimateResilience #Procurement #IPEC Rikesh Shah Kayleigh Hadjimina MCIPR Connected Places Catapult

⚡ Barnet is powering up its future with electric vehicle charging Barnet Council is rolling out one of London’s largest EV charging programmes, making it easier for residents and visitors to switch to cleaner transport. ✔ Hundreds of new public charge points being installed across the borough ✔ Supporting the move to low emission travel and cleaner air ✔ Backed by strong partnerships between local government and industry This programme is a clear example of how local action can help deliver national net zero goals while improving everyday life for communities. 👉 Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eMDh_tn4 #EVCharging #NetZero #SustainableTransport #CleanAir #LocalGrowth

Risk is often seen as a blocker, but senior leaders are showing how it can be managed to enable innovation. The Senior Leaders Casebook explores how public sector teams are shifting from risk-averse processes to more collaborative, outcome-focused approaches. Read their insights and practical examples here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/eMPCSp5g

📣 Just Two Weeks to Go! On 16th October, we're bringing together local authorities, investors, and innovators to explore how Community Municipal Investments (CMIs) are transforming local finance. 💬 Hear from experts on how CMIs are unlocking community-driven capital to fund net zero projects, boost local resilience, and empower citizens to invest in their places. 🗓️ Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of place-based investment. 🔗 Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/e7pAqts6 #LocalFinance #CommunityInvestment #NetZero #CMIs #Innovation #ConnectedPlaces #IPEC

Belfast is solving real-problems with smarter public innovation Belfast City Council used the SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative) model to bring real value to the city and community. Key wins: ▪️Uncovered over £500,000 in previously uncollected business rates using new data-led tools ▪️Worked with SMEs to build solutions using behavioural economics, machine learning, IoT and analytics ▪️ Ran a challenge-based competition that invited fresh ideas rather than prescribing the solution right away ▪️ Outcomes included faster billing for new properties and real-time tracking of non-domestic property status, occupant, and use Why this matters When councils focus on the outcomes they want to achieve, rather than prescribing the solution, they encourage innovation, create opportunities for local businesses and bring in more revenue to fund public services. 🔗 Want to find out more: https://lnkd.in/evmv9ZWr #Innovation #Procurement #PublicSector #SmartCities #LocalGrowth #IPEC

🔍 How Belfast is using procurement to unlock economic value Belfast City Council, through its Smart Belfast programme, is showing how challenge based procurement can drive innovation and deliver real impact. 💰 Over £500,000 in previously uncollected business rates identified early on 📊 Open data sharing across 24 datasets, from waste collection to property services, helped innovators create new solutions 🛠️ More than 47 innovation projects delivered in partnership with SMEs and public agencies The key learning is clear. When the public sector frames procurement around outcomes rather than predefined solutions, it creates space for collaboration, creativity and better results. 👉 At IPEC, we champion smarter procurement that unlocks social, economic and environmental value. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eMwp9bru #Procurement #Innovation #PublicSector #SmartCities #EconomicGrowth #IPEC Connected Places Catapult

⁉️Jargon can make procurement feel more confusing than it needs to be. Ever wondered what terms like Competitive Flexible Procedure or Pre-Commercial Procurement really mean? Our glossary breaks it down in plain language so everyone can follow the conversation. Take a look here: https://lnkd.in/eybtC57p ❓Is there a piece of jargon you keep hearing that is not on the list? Share it in the comments and we will help make sense of it.

📢 New report on procurement and government missions   The Institute for Government has published a major new report on how procurement can support the delivery of government missions.   We are pleased to see IPEC’s work reflected throughout the report: ✔ Contributions from our Head, Rikesh Shah, as one of the expert voices ✔ Direct references to IPEC publications, including the Senior Leaders’ Toolkit, Art of the Possible and Pre-Market Engagement ✔ A clear recommendation (p.25) that IPEC’s capability should be utilised to strengthen government procurement ✔ Recognition of our role in the Government’s Commercial Innovation Hub, supported by milestone funding   💬 "Effective procurement is about more than buying goods and services – it is a strategic tool to deliver government missions, drive innovation and create real public value. We are pleased to see the report recognise IPEC’s role in supporting that agenda." – Rikesh Shah, Head of IPEC   This is welcome recognition of the need for smarter, outcomes-focused procurement and of the role IPEC plays in shaping policy and practice. 👉 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e7ZG52Vz Kayleigh Hadjimina MCIPR Ben Hawes Connected Places Catapult

🚌 Heading to work? 🚀Learn how procurement can fuel better public services. 🎙️ In this VentureFuelVisionaries podcast, Rikesh Shah, Head of the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre at Connected Places Catapult, explains why procurement is no longer just about compliance and cost control. 💡 Drawing on his experience at Transport for London, Rikesh shares how opening up TfL’s data created thousands of new apps and services, supporting jobs and improving daily life for millions of people. He discusses: ✅ How public sector procurement can unlock innovation and economic activity ✅ Why moving beyond pilots to scale solutions is essential ✅ The importance of calculated risk-taking and internal buy-in ✅ Global examples of procurement shaping better, faster and cheaper outcomes As Rikesh says: “Every procurement has the potential to support a new idea and generate economic activity...” ▶️ Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eET_AV5Y #PublicInnovation #Procurement #Innovation #CivicTech

Procurement with purpose: lessons from senior leaders Public sector leaders are rethinking procurement. The Senior Leaders Casebook shares insights from eight senior figures across transport, health, infrastructure and local government on how they turned challenges into opportunities. Inside you’ll find: • How to manage risk and enable collaboration • Outcome-based contracts and dynamic frameworks • Ways the new Procurement Act supports innovation Download the casebook today and see how procurement can deliver better outcomes for people and places. 🔗https://lnkd.in/epwym-zE