Rethinking how government buys innovation

Procurement is an important element of technology adoption and digital transformation. For techUK’s Procurement Week 2026, we will explore several themes related to both public and private sector procurement, including sustainable procurement, social value and the impact of AI on procurement.

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techUK will host a webinar with the Cabinet Office exploring the government’s approach to purchasing innovation. The session will provide a practical update on how innovation is being procured through the Commercial Innovation Hub and how this approach is being embedded across Whitehall. Attendees will hear how departments are using new flexibilities to move away from rigid specifications and engage the market in more open, outcome-focused ways, alongside insight into current priorities and delivery in practice.

Key takeaways

• Understand the government’s current approach to procuring innovation

• Learn how the Commercial Innovation Hub operates as a cross-government centre of excellence

• See how the Procurement Act is enabling more outcome-focused market engagement

• Review a recent pathfinder project, including new approaches, savings, and lessons learned.

This webinar is relevant for organisations interested in public sector innovation procurement, including:

• Suppliers engaging with central government procurement

• Organisations exploring outcome-focused and innovative commercial models

• Teams interested in cross-government approaches to purchasing innovation

Partners

• Cabinet Office

• Commercial Innovation Hub (based in Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)