The fourth edition of the Procure Innovation EU Training Programme, took place again in Vienna and brung together 30 public procurement professionals from across the European Economic Area. Over five intensive days, participants engaged in a hands-on learning journey designed to strengthen their capacity to lead Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) initiatives with confidence and impact.

The programme kicked off with a strong focus on the design and implementation of innovation procurement processes, guiding participants through the key stages of launching Open Market Consultations and addressing common challenges in PPI procedures. Practical exercises and collaborative discussions encouraged participants to rethink traditional procurement approaches and explore more innovative pathways.

Midweek sessions deepened this learning by focusing on building robust business cases for PPI, preparing effective tenders, and attracting innovative suppliers. An interactive “All Around Europe” activity enabled participants to exchange perspectives on national innovation procurement models, highlighting both shared challenges and diverse approaches across countries. The programme also benefited from real-world insights shared by a former participant, who presented a live innovation procurement case, bringing theory directly into practice.

A key highlight of the week was the strong emphasis on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in innovation procurement. Through expert-led sessions and practical case studies, participants explored how to manage IPR strategically, understand its scope, and integrate it effectively into procurement processes. This perspective was further enriched by contributions from the Austrian Patent Office, offering concrete insights into IPR types and their role in fostering innovation.

On day four, participants moved fully into hands-on prototyping, applying all acquired knowledge to develop draft innovation procurement processes, shape specifications and award criteria, and reflect on how to measure impact. The day concluded with an expert lecture on the essential principles of Public Procurement of Innovation, reinforcing key takeaways.

The programme closed with a forward-looking session on Generative AI in Public Procurement, exploring how emerging technologies can support contract drafting, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making—while also addressing the precautions needed to ensure responsible use.

This fourth edition concluded with a strong sense of community, shared purpose, and renewed motivation. Participants left Vienna equipped with practical tools, real-case experience, and a strengthened European network, ready to continue driving innovation through public procurement.