This book aims to advance the understanding of pre-commercial procurement (PCP) as innovation
policy instrument and as means to fulfil public needs. To this end it places PCP within its
political and legal context and elucidates its origins and its economic rationale. Based on
this analysis it suggests a clear conceptualization of PCP and a clear delineation from other
innovation policy instruments. Subsequently the book assesses the value and achievements of
the more established type of PCP policy programmes and draws lessons for improvement. In this
context it raises awareness of the remaining obstacles to its wide and effective
implementation and suggests appropriate solutions ranging from policy guidance to law
interpretation and legislative reform. The text makes use of illustrative practical examples of
policy-making and project implementation in various public programmes of R&D procurement. This
is a highly relevant book for academics and practitioners in the field of public procurement.
Ramona Apostol is Senior Procurement Adviser at Corvers Procurement Services B.V. in the
Netherlands. She holds a Ph.D. in Law from Leiden University the Netherlands. She has been
involved in a wide range of procurement projects related to the implementation of R&D and
innovation procurement and regularly acts as independent expert for the European Commission on
this topic.
