As clusters are looking for a possibility to use public procurement for innovation, this guide may be useful in understanding the mechanism of public procurement – and especially with European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

Following on the great success of the first edition with more than 70,000 downloads, DG REGIO is particularly happy to present the new and updated version of the Public Procurement - Guidance for practitioners on the avoidance of the most common errors in projects funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds. This improved document takes into account the new and simplified EU rules on public procurement and the first direct experience from their implementation on the ground.

This guidance is aimed primarily at procurement practitioners within contracting authorities in the European Union who are responsible for planning and delivering the purchase of public works, supplies or services in a compliant, efficient and value-for-money way.