PROCURE Project Final Conference: Procurement in Health
for Uncertain Times

The first day of the PROCURE Final Conference set a powerful tone, exploring how value-based and strategic procurement can drive sustainability, equity, and resilience in European healthcare systems. Engaging presentations and lively discussions unpacked key challenges such as fragmentation in procurement practices, the need for long-term value considerations, and the power of cross-border collaboration. A standout moment of the day was the spotlight on the crucial role of communities and networks in improving strategic procurement. Leading experts highlighted how collaborative platforms are accelerating innovation by facilitating knowledge exchange, peer learning, and joint action. Initiatives such as the Procure4Health Community, the PROCURE Community of Interest Forum, the Big Buyers Community, the Healthcare Buyers Community, and the ECLIPSE and IPTF networks were presented as vital enablers of shared progress. These communities are not simply support mechanisms — they are strategic drivers that empower public procurers, bridge institutional silos, and ensure innovation ecosystems thrive across borders. The day closed with renewed calls for solidarity, policy alignment, and strategic capacity-building to support resilient and forward-looking procurement systems across Europe.

The second day of the PROCURE project Final Conference centred on the future of strategic health procurement, offering a rich exchange of ideas on policy innovation, experimentation, and the tools shaping procurement across Europe. Expert speakers and panellists underscored the critical need for agile, innovation-friendly regulatory environments that can keep pace with rapidly evolving healthcare needs. From insights into international procurement systems and policy recommendations to support structures for innovation adoption, the sessions showcased how Europe is equipping its public sector with the capacity and frameworks to act strategically. Experimentation spaces were highlighted as key enablers of agile, evidence-based procurement, fostering co-creation and smarter decision-making. Real-world examples—from digital solution pilots to public-private living labs—illustrated how structured testing environments can unlock procurement potential. The day also brought forward practical tools and emerging initiatives, such as innovation hubs and strategic support projects, that are helping to scale innovation procurement across regions.

The conference was closed with forward-looking reflections from stakeholders across sectors. They emphasised the need for ongoing investment, policy alignment, and the integration of patient-centred values in procurement strategies.

The event also featured the participation of high-level public authorities, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative. Dr Áurea Morillo García, MD, PhD, Secretary General for Public Health and R&D&I of the Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía), and Mr Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, both delivered interventions highlighting the critical role of coordinated public health strategies in addressing current and future societal challenges.

The Final Conference was not only a milestone for PROCURE project but also a stepping stone for future collaboration. It provided a space for showcasing tools and resources developed during the lifespan of the project.

The event also strengthened ties between two major EU initiatives – PROCURE and Procure4Health – and laid the foundation for new joint actions in 2025 and beyond.

A Strong Legacy for European Health Systems

PROCURE project has demonstrated that procurement is no longer a purely administrative function but a strategic driver of transformation in healthcare. By aligning procurement with innovation and policy, the project has created a model for how health systems can become more resilient, effective, and equitable.