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Title: Innovation co-development forms in adapted, technological and experimental public procurement

Authors: Kati Loijas; Aki Jääskeläinen; Anne-Maria Holma

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Management, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720 Tampere, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720 Tampere, Finland ' School of Management, University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, 65200 Vaasa, Finland

Abstract: As public procurement increasingly promotes innovation, the importance of innovation co-development as part of the procurement process is growing. By examining public procurement cases involving co-development, the study identified the forms of innovation co-development in different types of public procurement (adapted, technological, and experimental). The findings provide insights into the stimulation of innovation through co-development practices and procurement procedures and phases specific to the public sector. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of procurement strategy and planning in public procurement of innovation. Thus, in addition to our academic contribution, our study aims to discuss and highlight the possibilities of co-development in public procurement, rather than focusing on its limitations.

Keywords: co-development; public procurement of innovation; public procurement; public procurement phases; procurement strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2026.153915

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2026 Vol.25 No.5, pp.33 - 56

Received: 21 Sep 2025
Accepted: 12 Mar 2026
Published online: 29 May 2026 *