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Public procurement as an innovation policy: Where do we stand?

Author

Listed:
  • Chiappinelli, Olga
  • Giuffrida, Leonardo M.
  • Spagnolo, Giancarlo

Abstract

Scholars and policymakers have long recognized the potential of public procurement as an industrial policy tool to incentivize innovation. However, it remains unclear to what extent this potential has been realized and what measures should be implemented to maximize performance. This paper surveys the economic literature on public procurement of innovation (PPI) to take stock of this debate. We discuss the existing research on four broad questions: i) Does PPI spur innovation? ii) How should PPI be designed to best spur innovation? iii) What barriers hinder the implementation of PPI? iv) What is the role of PPI in the innovation policy mix? We conclude that PPI can be an effective innovation policy, but that further investigation is needed for a more solid assessment. We highlight the areas where additional research is most needed and discuss policy implications for current global challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiappinelli, Olga & Giuffrida, Leonardo M. & Spagnolo, Giancarlo, 2025. "Public procurement as an innovation policy: Where do we stand?," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:indorg:v:100:y:2025:i:c:s0167718725000244
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijindorg.2025.103157
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    Keywords

    Public procurement; Industrial policy; Innovation; R&D; Literature survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O35 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Social Innovation
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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