Context
The Spanish healthcare system is decentralised and managed by the Regional Governments within the framework of the National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS). This model places responsibility at regional level for healthcare organisation and delivery that requires developing effective mechanisms to address complex and evolving challenges.
In this regard, Galicia, a region in the north of Spain, has responded by developing a long-term strategy based on Public Procurement of Innovative solutions (PPI). Since 2012, the use of PPI has been instrumental in the development of innovation programmes and advanced digital health solutions, creating significant institutional learning and enhancing delivery capacities.
As a result, PPI has become an instrument widely used within the Galician public healthcare system, promoting the consolidation of this governance approach. From Hospital 2050 and Innova-Saúde to Código100 and the ongoing PRECISAÚDE programme, the Galician Health Service (Servizo Galego de Saúde – SERGAS) has made an intensive and extensive use of PPI in all their forms.
This sustained experience and investment has positioned Galicia as one of the leading regions in Europe in the use of innovation procurement, a trajectory recognised at European Level through participation in reference networks.
Objectives
First, the objective of the project is to identify, develop, and deploy innovative healthcare solutions that are not yet available on the market and that effectively respond to the current and evolving needs of the population.
To achieve this objective, the strategy uses Public Procurement of Innovative solutions (PPI) as a governance instrument that complements ordinary procurement and allows the healthcare system to broaden its options and capacities to address societal and healthcare challenges, particularly in situations where existing market solutions are insufficient.
Through this approach, the project seeks to ensure that concrete needs identified by healthcare professionals and services can be transformed into solutions that are developed, tested, and progressively incorporated into everyday healthcare practice.
Implementation
The strategy is implemented through a framework that integrates PPI as a tool used within the planning, decision-making, and investment processes.
Between 2012 and 2026, more than EUR 120 million was allocated to a range of programmes using PPI to promote research, development, and innovation. This approach has led to a portfolio of innovation procurement initiatives across different areas, such as electronic medical records (IANUS), e-prescription, advanced process management for prevalent diseases, telecare by ICT, tools for the management, and optimisation of clinical trials.
PPI is used as a mechanism to identify unmet needs, have dialogue with the market, and align innovation towards the healthcare system needs. Through this process, companies, technology centres, and other stakeholders are involved from the early stages in the development of innovative solutions aligned with regional health priorities and with potential for replication in other contexts. Open market consultation is a key element of this approach, allowing public needs to be clarified and solutions to be shaped before launching procurement procedures. Once contracts are awarded, implementation is monitored through reports, technical follow-up, evaluation of results, and impact analysis.
This experience has positioned Galicia as a reference in the use of innovation procurement.