Project activities were coordinated by IAT until its termination and by ACR+ for the last 4 months to complete the project. During the project, pro-active communication and dissemination of PPI4Waste outcomes (via website, newsletters, press releases, final conference, etc.) increased knowledge of PPI and waste solutions. Synergies were made with innovation projects for future exploitation. Links were established with EU and national bodies, networks and others to encourage decision makers to use PPI more systematically.
4 steps were implemented:
1. Needs assessment
Project partners identified and analysed concrete common needs of public buyers, supporting a better understanding of how innovation can address procurers’ waste goals and real needs, as well as the formulation of PPI tenders. 5 common needs were prioritized: bio-waste management; plastic separation; bulky waste management; separate collection systems; decision support systems. A snapshot of targeted improvements and possible emerging solutions addressing these needs was drawn. Key experts were involved to guarantee quality of project outcomes. A Procurement Foresight Workshop enabled exchange among stakeholders and facilitated understanding of procurers’ needs.
2. Market engagement
PPI4Waste brought together buyers and suppliers to address fragmentation of demand, gain a better understanding of innovative solutions replying to identified needs and instigate a technical dialogue. 2 communities, an Interest Group and a Purchasing Community, were created to gather and connect public bodies procuring innovative solutions and/or other stakeholders. 4 Meet-the-Market Events focused on common needs and 1 International State of the Art workshop took place to enhance networking and public/private exchanges and push for a greater use of PPI in waste management, highlighting interesting practices to build on.
3. Feasibility Assessment
PPI4Waste carried out a feasibility plan to uptake collaborative PPI and reduce risks associated with PPI. Based on the real situation of Mancomunidad del Sur and Zagreb, it can be used as methodological guidance by other procurers to facilitate collaborative work and potential PPI. It includes key aspects such as financial and contract modelling, and risk reduction strategy.
Training activities, exploring PPI tools and methodologies as well as presenting PPI4Waste outcomes, contributed to increase public procurers’ skills about PPI practices and opportunities for further action.
4. Lessons learned
PPI4Waste published conclusions on needs, barriers, possible solutions and opportunities for public procurers, and help to set standards for PPI implementation, including in a joint or coordinated way. In particular, recommendations for policy makers, conclusions from the roadmap on coordinated procurement and contributions of partners and experts during project activities contributed to the development of future orientations for waste management and circular economy, using PPI to accelerate transition to resource efficiency.
