The use of strategic procurement in Germany

Different approaches to acquiring goods and services can lead to public funds being used to achieve complementary policy objectives. Strategic procurement takes into account these complementary policy objectives. Strategic procurement can deliver varied policy goals in addition to the immediate objectives of achieving value for money and maximising efficiency in delivering public services. In recent years, the German government has placed importance on strategic procurement, developing several national strategies and work plans to support it. This chapter discusses the approaches Germany has taken to mainstream the use of strategic procurement. Germany’s specialised competence centres have been successful in supporting contracting authorities and suppliers, for example. In addition, several policies have created a framework for strategic procurement in the country. To maximise impact, however, additional measures may be necessary to diffuse a systematic approach to strategic procurement – especially at the sub-central level.