The 11th edition of the Procura+ Conference 2024 brought together over 220 government officials, industry leaders, and procurement practitioners in Lisbon, Portugal. Under the theme "Step Changes for Big Impact”, the conference showcased how public buyers across Europe are embracing innovative approaches to make public procurement a catalyst for sustainable and circular transformations. Representing the Smart Cities Marketplace, our presence at the conference engaged with numerous public procurement practitioners, experts, and stakeholders, fostering valuable interactions and exchanges of insights.
As part of the event's Market Lounge peer exchanges, the Smart Cities Marketplace facilitated three dynamic roundtable discussions on the theme of 'Procuring Smart Solutions.' These sessions provided a platform for constructive dialogues among public authorities, smart solution providers, and research institutions. Delving into topics ranging from data protection and intellectual property rights to addressing digital divides, the discussions explored the journey of moving smart solutions from pilot projects to widespread adoption. Legal considerations surrounding innovation procurement were examined, alongside tailored strategies for the unique needs of small and medium-sized cities.
The roundtables also highlighted promising opportunities in vital urban sectors such as mobility, healthcare, water management, and waste disposal. Attendees gained valuable insights from diverse examples of smart solutions in action, spanning from COVID passports and intelligent lighting to traffic monitoring systems and cutting-edge medical equipment. In essence, the Procura+ Conference 2024 provided an enriching platform for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and charting a collective path towards sustainable cities.
Read the Solution Booklet for Public Procurement in Smart Cities for more information on the topic.
