'Guidance on Public Procurement for SMEs' provides practical advice in the public procurement framework for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This guide focuses on the role of government programmes in public procurement to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming better exporters. The guide identifies and explains advantages and disadvantages of public procurement programmes; looks at criteria used for determining eligibility for SME status in various countries; and examines programmes used by selected countries to assist SMEs in a procurement context. It also gives guidance on the implementation of public procurement programmes designed to assist SMEs.

The relevance and economic implications of public procurement – which represents 12% of GDP and one-third of government expenditures in the OECD area - make it a powerful tool for improving public service delivery. At the same time, governments are increasingly using their purchasing power to pursue strategic objectives in different policy areas such as sustainability, innovation or providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Making it easier for SMEs to access public procurement opportunities improves the general economic environment, promotes inclusive growth and supports principles such as equal treatment, open access and effective competition. This report takes stock of the approaches adopted in 37 OECD and non-OECD countries to help SMEs perform better in public procurement markets, including removing barriers to their participation. The report also describes the main features of a public procurement system that benefits both the public sector and SMEs.

The relevance and economic implications of public procurement - which represents 12% of GDP and one-third of government expenditures in the OECD area - make it a powerful tool for improving public service delivery. At the same time, governments are increasingly using their purchasing power to pursue strategic objectives in different policy areas such as sustainability, innovation or providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Making it easier for SMEs to access public procurement opportunities improves the general economic environment, promotes inclusive growth and supports principles such as equal treatment, open access and effective competition. This report takes stock of the approaches adopted in 37 OECD and non-OECD countries to help SMEs perform better in public procurement markets, including removing barriers to their participation. The report also describes the main features of a public procurement system that benefits both the public sector and SMEs.

There is suspicion in the UK and across Europe that the upcoming introduction of new European Directives will encourage a regime of conservatism and legal risk aversion, fostering the delivery of mediocre and banal building design. This book dispels these myths and instead looks at the genuine impact of EU law on architectural practice. Engaging in public sector work requires a broad understanding of this seemingly complex and constantly evolving subject, and unlike other texts, the book is designed to explore public procurement from the perspective of the architect. An easy to follow guide through the complex legal and technical jargon involved in the procurement process, the book provides practical tools which will assist architects in developing their own, clear procurement strategy. Although written with a UK audience in mind, the advice will also be applicable to other European jurisdictions. It is invaluable reading for existing practitioners wishing to expand their current involvement in the public procurement process, as well as those encountering it for the first time.

Based on good practices in OECD and partner countries, this report analyses the state of play of procurement for innovation and provides a flexible framework focusing on 9 areas to promote it.