ECOVATION 2018

On 26th and 27th of November, over 250 procurers, policy makers and innovative companies discussed the potential of innovation and sustainability in the public sector.
Vienna, 27th of November – for the second time, the ECOVATION congress took place at Austria Center Vienna putting the spotlight on both innovation and sustainability in public procurement. The congress was organized by the PPPI-Service Center (Public Procurement Promoting Innovation) in cooperation with the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs as well as the Austrian Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism. In their opening speeches, Austrian Federal Minister of Sustainability and Tourism, Elisabeth Köstinger and Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology Norbert Hofer gave insights on their coming initiatives regarding the climate- and energy strategy #mission 2030. Minimal consumption of resources within public procurement, as well as initiatives in the area of e-mobility and energy research were among the topics. Austrian and international participants enjoyed two days full of interactive workshops, key notes held by field experts as well as pitches from innovative companies, getting insights into topics ranging from circular economy, digitalization and automation to best practice examples of innovative public procurement.
During the panel discussion at the evening event the role of innovation and sustainability within the public sector with was discussed. As a highlight, the winners of the PPPI project competition were awarded. Five especially innovative public procurement projects were able to convince the jury this year. With the ECOVATION 2018, the PPPI Service Center has offered an international space to discuss this vital field. Through the international exchange, the event helped to provide more insights and to increase awareness within public institutions, paving the way for Innovation and a sustainable future.