The Hitchhiker´s Guide on Procurement Opportunities for Startups explores the existing opportunities for public and private procurements in Romania. Due to the administrative and regulatory barriers, procurement opportunities are not being fully utilized by Romanian startups at this moment. 

This guide was developed as part of My Gateway project and aims to help startups researching public procurement options. It also contains recommendations on where to find information, how to access support when needed, how to look for the actual public tenders, who to contact and what would be some steps to take in the beginning. The guide also offers an overview of the difficulties and some of the barriers startups might face on their way to the public tender.

What is procurement?

Procurement is a process of gaining services and goods from an external source. The procurement process includes the preparation and processing of demand as well as the end receipt and approval of payment. It involves purchase planning, standards determination, development of specifications, supplier research and selection, value analysis, financing, price negotiation, making the purchase, supply contract administration, inventory control and stores, disposals and other related functions.

What is the difference between public and private procurement?

The public and private sector are fundamentally different areas with unlike goals. Whereas the public institutions’ purpose is the effective organisation of public good, the aim of private companies and corporates is gaining profit for their owners. Regarding the topic of procurement, however, both the sectors share the same requirements, responsibilities and barriers such as proving the value for money, responsible decision making regarding the expenses and meeting the rules of public procurement and financial policies.

My Gateway is a Startup Europe initiative which aims to strengthen the capacities of high-tech startups and innovative SMEs in the Central and Eastern European region to become better connected, gain higher market exposure and have improved, streamlined access to funding opportunities and talent. To download the Hitchhiker’s Guide on Procurement Opportunities for Startups in Slovenia and the Check Republic, check the My Gateway website.

To stay up to date with relevant news about Spherik and other resources available for startups and the entrepreneurial community,  join our newsletter. You’ll receive a monthly email with a curated list of Romanian and international updates and opportunities.