نجم الدين يزدي

Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) is recognized as a deman‎d-side innovation policy an‎d a strategic instrument for fostering innovation an‎d industrial growth. However, localizing this policy in developing countries has encountered multiple challenges, as their primary mode of technology acquisition emphasizes learning mechanisms such as assembly, reverse engineering, an‎d technology transfer rather than innovation development an‎d R&D. The most significant challenges include lack of capabilities of domestic suppliers, dependency on foreign suppliers, an‎d the imbalance between short-term efficiency goals an‎d long-term objectives of technological capacity building. This dissertation focuses on the localization project of ten strategic product groups in Iranʹs oil industry an‎d aims to provide a model for an innovative public procurement system based on endogenous technology transfer an‎d supplier capability development, drawing on an in-depth analysis of local challenges. Using a qualitative research approach, this study collects data through interviews with policymakers, suppliers, an‎d experts involved in this large-scale project. It employs thematic analysis to identify an‎d examine managerial, political, structural, economic, an‎d supplier-related challenges alongside the strengths of the initiative (general diagnostics). Subsequently, through action-design research methodology (ADR), the study identifies the core principles of a supplier capability assessment framework within public procurement. The challenges an‎d advantages of implementing this eva‎luation framework are then analyzed. Building on the theoretical premise that creating domestic deman‎d must be complemented by enabling response cycles from local suppliers—ensuring technological catch-up an‎d industrial development rather than generating rent-seeking behaviors, corruption, an‎d resource misallocation—an ambidextrous monitoring an‎d eva‎luation system is proposed. This system aligns conventional procurement criteria with capability-building objectives, ensuring that in addition to eva‎luating product delivery commitments, supplier capability enhancement is continuously assessed an‎d supported. Findings further indicate that knowledge intermediaries can act as institutional entrepreneurs an‎d change agents within government agencies implementing PPI, which often lack the necessary competencies. Beyond traditional roles such as performers, brokers, technical experts, an‎d trainers, these intermediaries can assume specialized functions in managing change, structuring procurement processes, an‎d assessing suppliers. Moreover, the success of capability-building an‎d localization-oriented PPI projects requires attention beyond eva‎luation frameworks, emphasizing key factors such as avoiding excessive deman‎d aggregation, conducting comprehensive supplier capability assessments, ensuring financial sustainability, leveraging knowledge intermediaries, an‎d linking payment mechanisms to capability eva‎luation. Effective interaction between public procurers an‎d private suppliers, political commitment, comman‎d coherence, an‎d clearly defined responsibilities also play a critical role in overcoming implementation challenges an‎d achieving innovation-driven goals.

تداركات عمومي حامي نوآوري , بومي‌سازي نوآوري‌محور , ساخت داخل , توانمندسازي تأمين‌كنندگان , سياست نوآوري تقاضامحور , يادگيري فناورانه , ميانجي نوآوري

Public procurement for innovation , Innovation-driven localization , Local content , Supplier capability building , Demand-side innovation policy , Technological learning , Innovation intermediary

Najmoddin Yazdi

Ali Bonyadi Naeini