This session took place 23rd May 2023.
Procurement for Innovation is a method that stimulates market demand and supply through procurement. Using the substantial buying power of both public and private sector procurement, this method is a way to move markets to more sustainable options. Essentially, a procurer establishes a forward commitment to purchase a product to respond to a need, which is not yet available on the market. The forward commitment can be up to three years in the future. By making this commitment, suppliers on the market are assured that if they invest in research and development of a response, there is a commitment to procure when the buyer goes to tender. The City of Greater Geelong has used the Procurement for Innovation method to bring innovative products to market that have reduced costs, reduced waste going to landfill and created circular economy solutions. Tina Perfrement is the Senior Industry Sector Lead at City of Greater Geelong Council in Victoria. Tina will share what the Procurement for Innovation method is, how it has been used in Geelong and overseas, and information about the eLearning course that’s available.
Your expert presenter:
Tina Perfrement, Senior Industry Sector Lead, City of Greater Geelong
Tina has worked with businesses and the public sector to improve performance through sustainability, in Australia and the UK. Her approach is both strategically driven and practically focused; this is reflected in her achievements during a career spanning more than 20 years. Tina has been involved with developing markets for sustainable goods and services for most of her career. She’s currently working on a business support program to inspire opportunities for clean technologies and circular economy solutions at the City of Greater Geelong. The program has resulted in job creation, skills development, and business expansion outcomes for the Greater Geelong economy.