The European Commission has formally approved Deliverable 4.1: the Value-Based Cross-Border Collaborative Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) Handbook, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of innovation procurement across Europe.

This publication represents the first coordinated effort to codify and publicly disseminate a value-based approach to public procurement of innovation. By making this methodology accessible, the initiative establishes a common reference framework for public authorities seeking to integrate value-based principles into procurement practices.

Developed within the RaDAR project, the handbook provides a comprehensive and structured guide to the application of Value-Based Procurement in a cross-border context. It consolidates methodological approaches, operational insights, and lessons learned derived from the implementation of collaborative PPI processes.

The document is specifically designed to support public procurers in translating policy objectives into practice. It outlines how procurement can be leveraged not only as an administrative function, but as a strategic instrument to foster innovation, enhance healthcare system performance, and promote outcome-oriented purchasing models.

The approval and publication of this handbook address a longstanding gap in the field of innovation procurement: the absence of a shared, practical methodology for implementing value-based PPI at scale.

By providing clear guidance and replicable models, the handbook enables public authorities to move beyond traditional cost-based approaches and adopt procurement strategies that prioritise long-term value, patient outcomes, and system sustainability. It also facilitates cross-border collaboration by offering a common conceptual and operational foundation.

The handbook is now publicly available, offering immediate utility to policymakers, public procurers, and stakeholders engaged in healthcare innovation across Europe.

This achievement reflects the collective contribution of all partners involved in the RaDAR project. Particular recognition is extended to the Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS) for its leadership and substantial contribution to the development of this work.

Read the full document here.