HIPSS Project Kick-off: A European Platform for Health Innovation Procurement Support

The HIPPS (Health Innovation Procurement Support Services) project is an EU-funded project, led by EIT Health, focused on  developing a cross-border platform of specialist advisory services on public procurement of innovation in health. 

The project aims to address the critical needs of public procurers (hospitals, health system and insurers) and innovation providers (SMEs and industry) within the healthcare sector by co-creating and deploying a sustainable and scalable platform.

Bridging the Innovation Adoption Gap

Demand-driven innovation and procurement of innovation are powerful strategies with immense potential to transform the healthcare sector. By identifying specific needs and challenges and seeking innovative solutions not yet available on the market, these approaches can stimulate significant advancements and ensure new solutions are closely aligned with real-world demands.

However, the European healthcare sector faces significant challenges in effectively implementing these strategies. The process is often hindered by silos between stakeholders, healthcare system fragmentation across countries, and the complex necessity of demonstrating value to a diverse array of parties. While the capacity for innovation is strong, the adoption of these innovations remains slow and cumbersome. This prevents timely implementation and limits the impact on healthcare systems and patients, highlighting the urgent need for streamlined and cohesive innovation procurement processes.

What is the goal of HIPSS?

The HIPSS project aims to bridge the gap between public procurers (hospitals, health system and insurers) and innovation providers (SMEs and industry). The goal is to create a sustainable and scalable platform that facilitates the efficient procurement of innovative solutions in the healthcare sector. By doing this, the project seeks to reduce the barriers of using demand-driven innovation, enhance healthcare delivery, foster resilience, and ensure that European healthcare remains globally competitive.

How will HIPSS make a difference?

HIPSS is not a conceptual project – it is a practical, hands-on initiative designed to make a tangible impact. The platform will offer a one-stop shop for advisory services, use-cases, and data analysis, tailored to the specific needs of public procurers and innovators.

The consortium will co-create the solution with various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, including public buyers, innovators, hospitals, and other relevant parties. This collaborative approach ensures that the platform addresses the real-world needs of all involved, making it a truly comprehensive and effective solution.

Who might be interested in HIPSS?

HIPSS is designed to engage a wide range of stakeholders within the healthcare sector, especially public procurers (hospitals, health systems, and insurers looking for innovative solutions to enhance their services) and innovators (start-ups, SMEs, and industry players eager to bring their innovations to market). Moreover, the project will also involve healthcare providers, policy makers, regulators, patients, and caregivers.

Who is behind HIPPS?

The HIPSS consortium brings together a multidisciplinary group of six partners from across Europe which cover distinct perspectives including providing SME support, incubation and acceleration; providing consulting services on the side of public procurers and innovation SMEs; providing legal expertise on public procurement exercises; providing access to market, access to finance, and fast-tracking innovation support services.

• EIT Health – Germany
• Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS) – Spain
• Hasselt University – Belgium
• Medical Valley – Germany
• VALDE Innova – Spain
• Avania – Netherlands

Your participation and input are crucial to the success of this initiative. Together, we can create a platform that not only bridges the gap between innovation and adoption but also transforms the future of healthcare across Europe.

Join us towards a more innovative landscape, and stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with HIPSS! If you have any questions, are curious to know more or would like to get involved, email Maria Sanchis or Pau Esteve.