Stimulating SME participation in procurement
The article Stimulating SME participation in procurement by ICLEI highlights the challenges SMEs face in public procurement, such as financial limitations and bureaucratic hurdles, which often reduce their participation despite their significant contribution to GDP.
It showcases EU initiatives like contract fragmentation, e-procurement, and innovation procurement programs to address these barriers and it stresses the importance of simplifying procurement processes implementing digital tools like e-procurement systems.
Additionally, it highlights innovation-driven procurement practices that allow SMEs to contribute their expertise, enhance market competition, and foster innovation within the EU, creating more opportunities for small businesses to thrive.