European Commission

European Commission


EAFIP is proud to announce that on the 25th of November 2021 Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg (WBL) has won the first prize at the European Innovation Procurement Awards (EUIPA) 2021 in the ‘Facing societal challenges’ category for its integrated PCP & PPI project. This was announced during the EIC summit in Brussels. The jury praised WBL’s inspiring concept and innovative strength. The runner-up is International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI).

Stephan Corvers, Corvers Commercial & Legal Affairs, contractor for the EAFIP-initiative: ‘These European prizes acknowledge the success and value of the EAFIP methodology for innovation procurement projects. We applaud all the winners and contestants of the EUIPA awards. Innovation procurement is key for reaching strategic goals of public authorities throughout Europe.’


The Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg (WBL) – Dutch wastewater treatment company – has launched a full-blown procurement project. The project, which tackles both innovation and circularity, combined three different lots (process automation, security and big data) with a PCP (that builds on and supports the three lots). The PCP results are integrated as part of the big data PPI to support process automation and security. The purchased solution will improve management of wastewater transportation pipelines by allowing WBL to continuously monitor their correct functioning and proactively tackle issues.

          For more information on the EAFIP-assistance to the WBL-project – see the EAFIP-WBL-project page.

          For more information on the EUIPA-award winning WBL-project – download the EUIPA Awards_WBL project sheet.


The International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI) – an international non-profit organisation under Belgian law (Association internationale sans but lucratif – AISBL) – is leading a cross border initiative to develop a horizon scanning system, with the aim of identifying new pharmaceuticals that are expected to enter the international market and supporting decision makers on emerging and new pharmaceuticals for reimbursement decisions and policy development.

To ensure the success of the initiatives of the finalists, the step-by-step EAFIP methodology was followed, in order to carefully prepare the contract award procedure, define its scope, justify the implementation of a competitive procedure with negotiations and define the IPR strategy. Of particular relevance in projects of such characteristics is the involvement of all the potential stakeholders from the very beginning and the drafting of a proper business case. For more information on the step-by-step EAFIP-methodology see our website.

For more information on the European Innovation Procurement Awards – click here

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