Join us at the biggest independent public procurement event in the Northern Europe!
Get ready for an inspiring experience in Copenhagen, where we'll dive into a dynamic blend of engaging conferences, interactive workshops, and exciting networking opportunities with fellow public procurement enthusiasts from all over Europe. Can't make it to Copenhagen? No worries! You're invited to participate in the two main conference days virtually at the Nordic Public Procurement Forum. We can't wait to see you!
Welcome to the Nordic Public Procurement Forum 2024 (NPP ’24), an annual gathering place for professionals in public procurement. Join us as we open the doors in Copenhagen for the 18th time for an entire week dedicated to sharing knowledge about public procurement.
Throughout the week, you can participate on different days with specific focuses. There are five different and thrilling workshops, two main conference days, a lovely conference dinner with nordic food and special days dedicated to Norway, Sweden and for the first time ever Iceland. Each day offers new insights and opportunities and we can’t wait to open the doors for you.
During the two main conference days we have invited some of the most skilled experts within public procurement. The main conference will focus on a range of interesting topics and we will dive into everything from artificial intelligence and the power of central purchasing bodies to frequently made mistakes and why public procurement is not that friendly.
Join us for a series of engaging workshops designed to enhance your expertise in key areas of public procurement. Dive into sustainable procurement, learn how to effectively design and manage framework agreements, gain insights into setting transparent and effective criteria, explore strategies for categorizing goods or learn to understand the unique challenges and regulations of defence procurement. That sounds good, doesn’t it?
We promise there’s something for everyone, and we also promise that it’s going to be pretty fantastic and giving! Why not invite your colleagues to a week of the latest new knowledge and practical experiences from the frontline of public procurement right here in Copenhagen?
You choose which parts of the program you wish to participate in and how many days you want to join us for. You can choose from 1 to 5 days and all days are created to provide you with exactly the knowledge you need. You can view the schedules for each day below here and visit each event to get to know more about it. Combine your own package and pick the days you want to fill in the know-how you’re missing in your public procurement toolbox. Go nuts!
We hope to see as many as possible in Copenhagen for Nordic Public Procurement Forum. But if you are unable to meet with us, then the workshop on Framework Agreements and two main conference days will also be available for you to attend online. Just let us know when you are registering that you prefer to join us online. Then we will make sure that you will get the best out of your online experience back home. The online link will be sent to you a week before the event and we will use Microsoft Teams.
This year we are excited to offer you an extra treat. Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) and procurement are the ultimate power couple when we are inviting you to a free webinar with professor Albert Sanchez-Graells after the conference week. In this webinar, we’ll explore how public procurement can be used to widespread AI and how you can use it yourself. Save the date the 9th December from 11:00 – 12:15 CET (UTC+1). Read more about the webinar right here.
08:45 |
Registration and morning coffee |
09:00 |
Goodmorning and welcome! By Nohrcon and moderator Rasmus Horskjær Nielsen, Ph.D., Lawyer at Andel Holding A/S |
09:15 |
Green Public Procurement: A world of possibilities?
|
10:15 |
Coffee break |
10:30 |
A new legal and strategic reality
|
12:00 |
Lunch |
13:00 |
Turning your public procurement into green public procurement – part 1
|
14:00 |
Turning your public procurement into green public procurement – part 2
|
14:45 |
Coffee break |
15:00 |
Final thoughts and Q&A |
16:00 |
Thank you so much for participating!
We reserve the right to make changes, because we love to optimize. |
08:45 |
Check-in and morning coffee |
09:00 |
Part 1: Theory & InspirationWelcome and introduction
|
09:45 |
What is AI?
|
10:45 |
Coffee break |
11:00 |
Inspiration session: AI in Tender and Bid Management
|
12:00 |
Delicious lunch in the restaurant |
13:00 |
Part 2: Practical WorkshopInteractive Workshop Sessions – AI Applied in ProcurmentWorkflow Mapping (45 min)
Pain Point Identification (45 min)
AI Initiative Development (45 min)
|
15:30 |
Closing
|
16:00
|
From idea to implementation
|
08:45 |
Registration and morning coffee |
09:00 |
Goodmorning and welcome!
By Nohrcon and moderator Rasmus Horskjær Nielsen, Ph.D., Lawyer at Andel Holding A/S |
09:15 |
Framework agreements – flexible procurement
|
10:15 |
Coffee break |
10:30 |
The use of framework agreements and methods of call off award |
12:00 |
Lunch |
13:00 |
Strategic and legal use of framework agreements – part 1
|
14:00 |
Strategic and legal use of framework agreements – part 2
|
14:45 |
Coffee break |
15:00 |
Final thoughts and Q&A |
16:00 |
Thank you so much for participating! We reserve the right to make changes. |
09:45 |
Registration and morning coffee |
10:00 |
Welcome Moderator: Jan Telgen, Professor Emeritus of Public Procurement at University of Twente and and Co-Director of the Public Procurement Research Centre |
10:05 |
Introduction to contract award methods
|
11:15 |
Coffee break |
11:30 |
Criteria and scoring: Practical exercises
|
12:30 |
Lunch |
13:30 |
Relative scoring
Minimum quality levels |
15:00 |
Coffee break |
15:15 |
My favorite method: Awarding on Value
|
16:30 |
Q & A |
16:45 |
Thank you for the day
We reserve the right to make changes, because we love to optimize. |
08:45 |
Registration and light breakfast |
09:15 |
Welcome to the conference By Nohrcon and the moderator of today: Susie Smith, lawyer, procurement consultant and trainer |
09:30 |
Oops! Avoid these tender evaluation mistakes Tender evaluation is the critical end game of the public procurement process, yet it’s often where many errors occur due to neglected insights from decision theory. This session will dive into the nuances of evaluating bids, from scoring qualitative aspects and prices to scoring across multiple lots and working with minimum quality levels. With real-life examples and a focus on practical application, we aim to arm you with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls. You will leave this presentation equipped to ensure these errors are never repeated in your evaluations. Jan Telgen, emeritus professor, University of Twente and Public Procurement Research Centre |
10:00 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
10:15 |
ONLINE PRESENTATION EU Commission update The EU Commission will share the latest updates on public procurement in the EU. They will provide insights into new initiatives and reforms aimed at enhancing competition and efficiency in public procurement. Jean-Yves Muylle, Head of Unit, European Commission |
10:45 11:00 |
Coffee break |
11:00 |
Fixing the Flaws: An Insightful Take on EU public procurement Helga Berger, a member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), will present key findings from the ECA’s critical report on EU public procurement practices from 2011-2021. The report reveals issues like a declining competition for public tenders, burdensome procedures, lack of transparency and too little attention on competition as a prerequisite for value-for-money procurement. Berger will share recommendations to improve procurement practices, foster competition, and ensure better value for public funds. Don’t miss this session for actionable solutions on improving public procurement and economic cohesion in the EU. Ms Berger, Member of the European Court of Auditors |
11:30 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
11:45 |
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant |
12:45 |
Debunking the myth of general competition Get ready to rethink everything you know about competition in EU procurement law! Join us when we’ll uncover groundbreaking insights into how reinterpretations of competition influence Public procurement law. Find out why the traditional idea of competition in EU public procurement doesn’t quite fit. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and sparks new insights into the intricacies of EU procurement law. Is the general principle of compitition really dead? You’ll find out in this presentation! Trygve Gudmund Harlem Losnedahl, doctoral research fellow, University of Oslo |
13:15 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
13:30 |
Unlock the secrets behind successful pricing In this presentation, you’ll hear all about pricing strategies in public procurement and how you can affect them. Discover the best practices for handling challenging scenarios, including crises like war or pandemics, and explore innovative approaches to strategic and tactical pricing. We’ll also explore the concept of strategic pricing and the potential pitfalls associated with significantly different prices as well as excessively low bids – ensuring that you’re equipped to make informed decisions in any situation. Dagne Sabockis, Jur. Dr., Senior associate, Vinge |
14:00 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
14:15 |
Coffee break: fuel up with coffee, snacks and cake |
14:30 15:00 |
Public procurement is not that friendly “Don’t be alarmed! This is an European tender, but please keep reading.” We’ll come back to this sentence shortly, but first, the context. In this presentation we will discuss how public procurement can be more innovation-friendly. While there are some great examples, innovation procurement is still rare across Europe. Despite the generally friendly nature of most procurement professionals, there’s plenty of room to make procurement more welcoming to new ideas. We’ll explore the benefits of innovation procurement, and you’ll get introduced to 50 ideas to boost it. We will also spotlight and pitch a few different ideas in an innovation mini-competition. One idea is to make procurement templates much easier to understand, just like the opening of the presentation. Other ideas include lighter regulations, dynamic purchasing systems, and higher limits for innovation procurement. You’ll get the chance to vote for the best idea. Don’t miss this exciting presentation aiming to transform public procurement into a driver of innovation! Fredo Schotanus, professor of public procurement, Utrecht University School of Economics |
15:00 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
15:15 15:45 |
Buying artificial intelligence? EU regulations got you covered! Exploring the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) in public sectors brings a mix of excitement and concern. As we stand on the brink of a new era where computers can make decisions independently, the stakes are high. The thrill of new technology is mixed with serious concerns about its impact on democracy and legal rules. What is often overlooked in this crucial dialogue, is that public procurement law emerges as the unsung hero. It ensures that when governments invest in AI, they’re not just buying technology—they’re securing tools that meet all legal and functional standards. Together, let’s delve into how European public procurement law is perfectly ready to guide these important purchases, guaranteeing that the AI systems are not only advanced but also aligned with our core societal values. Christoph Krönke, professor of public law, University of Bayreuth |
15:45 |
Future forecast: exploring AI’s impact on public procurement! Join leading experts in a dynamic panel discussion as they explore the implications of AI and new technologies on the future of public procurement. You’ll gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of government purchasing in the digital age. Panel discussion with:
|
16:30 16:45 |
Goodbye and see you tomorrow
|
19:00 |
Conference dinner (seperate registration required)
We reserve the right to make changes, because we love to optimize. |
08:45 |
Registration and light breakfast |
09:15 |
Welcome to the conference |
09:25 |
The exclusions in the EU procurement Directives: interpretation, application and a critique The procurement Directives include various grounds on which suppliers can be excluded. This presentation will give an overview of how the Court of Justice interprets these exclusions, with a focus on the most recent cases and on what – in the author’s view – are some of the most problematic aspects of the case law. Sue Arrowsmith, Professor Emerita, University of Nottingham (UK) |
10:10 |
The power of central purchasing bodies What makes central purchasing bodies a game changer? How do they achieve big savings and boost efficiency? This presentation explores these questions and more. Discover how central purchasing bodies streamline processes and cut costs while maintaining strong supplier relationships. Learn strategies to keep suppliers engaged within a standardized framework. We’ll also dive into ensuring fair competition and transparency while managing large contracts and following procurement rules. We’ll uncover the unique opportunities and challenges suppliers face with centralized procurement. See how these relationships spark innovation and improve service delivery. This session updates you on the current state and future trends in centralized procurement. Walk away with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to elevate your procurement game! Pauliina Juntunen, legal counsel, Hansel Oy |
10:40 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
10:55 |
Coffee break |
11:10 |
Round up of key cases of the Court of Justice in the last year As usual Professor Arrowsmith will present an explanation of the key cases of the Court of Justice in the past year, and her thoughts on this case law. The exact topics to be included will depend on what happens in the Court before the day of the conference. But this year’s round up will include, for example, a full analysis of the important Ingsteel case on damages for breach of public procurement rules. Sue Arrowsmith, Professor Emerita, University of Nottingham (UK) |
11:55 |
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant |
12:45 |
Workshop: Mastering sustainable procurement Would you like to master the art of reduce your organisation’s carbon emission? What if we told you that there’s an innovative tool designed to do just that, with a proven track record of over 15 years? The CO₂Performance Ladder is a powerful instrument that helps organisations reduce their carbon footprint across their operations, projects, and supply chain. With over 5000 organisations certified and used by more than 300 contracting authorities in the Netherlands and Belgium, this tool is now being implemented across Europe, including in countries like Ireland, France, the UK, Germany, Portugal, and Denmark. In this interactive workshop we’ll explore key strategies for promoting sustainable procurement practices. You’ll learn how to implement the CO₂ Performance Ladder, hear best practices and case stories and navigate common obstacles in sustainable procurement practices. Join us to unlock the true potential of green procurement and drive meaningful change in your organisation! Maud Vastbinder, Manager CO2-Performance Ladder Europe, Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business |
13:45 |
Navigating EU’s new Foreign Subsidy Rules in public procurement Join Jean-Maxime as he unpacks the impact of the EU’s latest Foreign Subsidies Regulation on public procurement. In this session, he will explore how these rules affect public tenders, ensuring fair play for both EU and non-EU companies in public tenders. Learn the key compliance strategies to navigate these changes, how to best factor in these new regulatory constraints and avoid potential and common pitfalls. Whether you’re from the public or private sector, this session offers essential insights into ensuring compliance while staying competitive in the evolving EU market. Jean-Maxime Blutel, Partner, Antitrust and Competition, Mayer Brown |
14:15 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
14:30 |
Coffee break: fuel up with coffee, snacks and cake |
14:45 |
Exploring the untapped potential of private-public partnerships for a greener world Do you ever wonder how public-private partnerships can make the world more sustainable? This presentation is your chance to find out! We’ll explore the growing focus on PPPs and their crucial role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Public-private partnerships are essential in driving sustainability across various sectors. And there’s still plenty of potential to tap into! Using a case study on infrastructure, we’ll examine new methods to get private businesses more involved in PPP projects. Discover how you can easily include these methods in the PPP process to elevate your projects and ensure they meet global sustainability goals. Embrace innovative strategies for incorporating sustainability practices into PPPs and see how these methods can transform your projects! Iryna Zapatrina, professor of finance, founder of PPP Academy (Ukraine) and Edu4Bis (The Netherlands) |
15:15 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
15:30 |
Centralisation and new trends
Dynamic purchasing systems vs. framework agreements: who wins? Dynamic purchasing systems are redefining procurement offering more flexibility and efficiency compared to traditional framework agreements. In this presentation, we’ll explore the ins and outs of dynamic purchasing systems and how they compare to framework agreements. Discover which products are a perfect match for dynamic purchasing systems and which ones still benefit from traditional frameworks. Through practical examples and success stories, you’ll uncover best practices and learn how to dodge common pitfalls. Discover how dynamic purchasing systems can enhance your procurement processes, learn about the benefits and challenges of dynamic purchasing dystems, and how they can transform your approach to procurement! Carina Risvig Hamer, professor of administrative law and public procurement Law, University of Copenhagen
The future of centralisation in public procurement How do significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and better adherence to regulations sound? If this is something that excites you, you won’t want to miss this presentation! As public procurement evolves, centralising procurement functions is becoming the key to unlocking these benefits. During this presentation, you’ll discover how centralisation transforms public procurement and dive into its economic, legal, and practical aspects. We’ll delve into the latest trends, such as collaborative procurement models and advanced digital tools. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the challenges that come with centralisation and learn how to tackle them, while also exploring new opportunities for greater transparency and stronger supplier relationships. Join us as we look into the future of public procurement and embrace the growing trend of centralisation! Kirsi-Maria Halonen, law professor, University of Lapland |
16:30 |
Cooperative learning and questions |
16:45 |
Goodbye
We reserve the right to make changes, because we love to optimize. |
08:45 |
Skráning og morgunkaffi |
09:00 |
Góðan daginn og velkomin Erindi Nohrcon og stjórnanda dagsins, Hjördísar Halldórsdóttur, lögmanns og eiganda LOGOS lögmannsstofu |
09:05 |
Innsýn úr víglínunni: Nýjustu mál og lærdómur frá kærunefnd útboðsmála Reimar Pétursson býður upp á djúpstæða könnun á nokkrum nýlegum og áhrifamiklum ákvörðunum Kærunefndar útboðsmála og Landsréttar. Í þessari kynningu verður farið yfir nýlegar lagabreytingar í samhengi við raunveruleg dæmi sem sýna flækjur og áskoranir í opinberum innkaupaferlum. Við munum ræða sérkenni hvers máls, úrskurði sem voru kveðnir upp og afleiðingar fyrir opinbera innkaupastarfshætti. Ekki missa af þessu tækifæri til að læra af þeim mistökum og árangri sem kærunefnd útboðsmála hefur skráð og undirbúa þig betur fyrir framtíðaráskoranir í innkaupum. Reimar Pétursson, eigandi LLG og formaður kærunefndar útboðsmála |
10:30 |
Kaffipása |
10:50 |
Vinnustofa: Besta framkvæmd við gerð útboðsgagna Í þessari vinnustofu mun Hjördís Halldórsdóttir, LOGOS lögmannsþjónustu, fjalla um hvernig má gera útboðsgögn skilvirkari og skýrari, með sérstakri áherslu á eftirfarandi þætti: • Skilning á lagarammanum og hvernig sé hægt að tryggja það að íslenskar reglur um opinber innkaup séu uppfylltar • Hvernig góð útboðsgögn og miðlun þeirra stuðla að árangri í opinberum innkaupum • Hvernig eigi að skrifa útboðsgögn þannig að kröfum sé komið á framfæri á skýran og hnitmiðaðan hátt • Algengar gildrur í undirbúningi og miðlun útboðsgagna og hvernig á að forðast þær Þegar vinnustofunni lýkur verður þú með gott verkfærasett til að undirbúa útboð – og getur jafnvel tekið það með þér heim!
Hjördís Halldórsdóttir, hæstaréttarlögmaður og eigandi LOGOS lögmannsþjónustu |
12:00 |
Ljúffengur hádegisverður á veitingastaðnum |
13:00 |
Pallborðsumræður: Bestu starfshættir og helstu áskoranir í opinberum innkaupum á Íslandi Með ræðumönnum dagsins munum við kafa ofan í landslag opinberra innkaupa á Íslandi og skoða það með nýjum innsýnum og sjónarhornum í pallborðsumræðum. Hér er það sem við munum (líklega!) fjalla um:
Við vonum að við verðum öll aðeins vitrari eftir þetta! |
13:45 |
(Hvernig) ætti hið opinbera að nota gervigreind? Linda stýrir einu af þeim íslensku fyrirtækjum sem eru í fararbroddi í þróun og notkun gervigreindar. Í erindi sínu mun Linda fara yfir nokkur dæmi um hagnýtingu gervigreindar en einnig hvetja áheyrendur til að stíga til baka og íhuga samspil tölvualgríma og mannlegs atbeina áður en ákveðið er að nota tölvudrifna nálgun til að leysa vandamál. Gervigreind er nýjasta tískubólan og allir vilja taka þátt í henni – en er hún svarið við þínu tiltekna vandamáli og hvernig mun innleiðing hennar hafa áhrif á manneskjurnar sem eiga í hlut? Linda Heimisdóttir, framkvæmdastjóri Miðeindar og PhD frá Cornell University |
14:30 |
Kaffipása |
14:45 |
Að losa sig við risaeðluna: Bestu starfshættir í stafrænum upplýsingatæknikaupum Fylgstu með upplýsandi kynningu með Milena Anguelova Krogsgaard þar sem hún fjallar um umbreytandi heim innkaupatækni. Uppgötvaðu háþróaðar stafrænar lausnir og bestu starfshætti fyrir upplýsingatæknikaup, þar á meðal hugbúnað, leyfi og samningastjórnun. Kynningin nýtir raunverulegar dæmisögur frá Danmörku og er fullkomin fyrir innkaupasérfræðinga sem vilja vera skrefinu á undan í stafrænum heimi. Forðastu að verða innkauparisaeðla og vertu með nýjustu upplýsingarnar í innkaupaferlum þínum! Þessi kynning verður haldin á ensku. Milena Anguelova Krogsgaard, meðeigandi Poul Schmith / Kammeradvokaten |
15:20 |
Mörk útboðs- og verktakaréttar Ljóst er að útboðsréttur hefur löngum haft áhrif á framkvæmd samninga sem komast á í kjölfar útboðs, þar sem kröfur til verktaka og þess sem keypt er koma fram í útboðsgögnum. Útboðsgögnin marka því jafnan farveg verksins nánast frá A-Ö. Á verktíma getur aftur á móti ýmislegt gerst sem kallar á breytingar og viðbætur. Er útboðsrétturinn þögull um slík atriði, þar sem útboðsferlinu er lokið og reglur einkaréttarins teknar við? Með lögum nr. 120/2016 um opinber innkaup voru lögfestar efnisreglur sem áhrif hafa á framkvæmd verksamnings, sbr. einkum VII. kafla laganna. Má því segja að verktakarétturinn (og kauparéttur í tilviki vörukaupa) hafi að einhverju leyti stigið inn á svið útboðsréttarins og er nauðsynlegt fyrir kaupendur og þá sem sinna innkaupaþjónustu að vera meðvituð um þessar efnisreglur og skipuleggja fyrirfram ákveðin atriði sem snúa að framkvæmd samningsins. Frá praktísku sjónarhorni þýðir þetta einnig að framkvæmd samninga getur komið til kasta kærunefndar útboðsmála með öðrum hætti en fyrir gildistöku laganna. Í erindinu verður megináhersla lögð á 90. gr. laga nr. 120/2016 sem mælir fyrir um breytingar á samningi á gildistíma. Hvernig ber að túlka ákvæðið og hvaða áhrif hefur það á framkvæmd samninga? Að hvaða marki þurfa kaupendur og þeir sem sinna innkaupaþjónustu að búa fyrirfram til „leikreglur“ um breytingar sem kunna að vera gerðar á samningstímanum? Er 90. gr. laganna að öllu leyti í samræmi við 72. gr. tilskipunar nr. 2014/24/ESB? Víðir Smári Petersen, prófessor við lagadeild Háskóla Íslands |
16:00 |
Takk kærlega fyrir daginn! |
11:00 |
Welcome and introduction |
11:00 |
Professor Sanchez-Graells will discuss the challenges of acquiring AI technologies and explore how procurement governance can serve as a ‘living lab’ for deploying AI solutions. He will also highlight the latest trends and challenges in AI and procurement. There will be an interactive Q&A session to answer your questions and engage in discussions with peers. |
12:10 |
Wrap up and goodbye |
Scandic Spectrum Hotel
Kalvebod Brygge 10
1560 Copenhagen
– Where the sea meets the city – awarded Nordic Swan Ecolabel
The conference will be conducted in English. Special days for Norwegian and Icelandic PP profesionals will be conducted in their national languages.
The Nordic Public Procurement Forum is of interest to all purchasers from the public and utility sectors, their suppliers, consultants and lawyers, who wish to be up to date on current issues within public procurement law and design. Last year, we welcomed participants from 18 countries! This year, passionate procurement professionals from 20 different countries are already attending – are you?
Pictures from a previous Nordic Public Procurement Forum:
YOUR INVESTMENT*
1 day: € 899 ex VAT
2 days: € 1798 ex VAT
3 days: € 2697 ex VAT
4 days: € 3596 ex VAT
5 days: € 4495 ex VAT
* Same price for online participation.
JOIN THE EVENING PROGRAM
20th of November
Join the main conference dinner at Restaurant no. 2. The dinner is not included in the conference main day 1. Spaces are limited and you will have to make a registration to secure your seat!
What will you get?
During the event, you will get delicious servings: a light breakfast, lunch, beverages, fruit and snacks. You will also get access to the speakers’ presentations digitally.