BSR Cities Network

BSR Cities Network

The BSR Cities Network was established within the PPI4Cities project as a collaborative network connecting municipalities, regional authorities, innovation agencies, and associated stakeholders involved in Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) activities across the Baltic Sea Region.

The network brings together organisations that participated in project activities such as CityLabs, pilot procurements, workshops, market engagement activities, and capacity-building events. It builds on the cooperation, relationships, and trust developed during the implementation of the PPI4Cities project and transforms them into a sustainable framework for continued collaboration.

The network is not established as a formal legal entity. Instead, it functions as an open and structured cooperation framework based on:

• a shared commitment to promoting and applying innovation procurement;
• agreed principles for peer exchange and knowledge sharing;
• a communication structure connecting participating cities and stakeholders;
• access to the digital PPI4Cities Platform as a common working and collaboration tool;
• a repository of good practices, methodologies, and pilot experiences developed during the project.

Main functions of the network

The BSR Cities Network supports participating organisations through several key functions:

Peer support and knowledge exchange

Member cities and organisations can consult each other when preparing innovation-oriented tenders, organising market dialogue activities, or addressing legal, procedural, and organisational challenges related to PPI implementation.

Continued use of the PPI4Cities platform

The network promotes the long-term use of the platform as a shared reference and learning environment. Members can continue using:

• self-assessment tools;
• methodological guidance;
• CityLab resources;
• templates and practical materials;
• examples of good practices and pilot activities.

Replication of the CityLab methodology

The network encourages cities and organisations to replicate and adapt the CityLab co-creation model for new thematic areas, including:

• sustainable mobility;
• digital public services;
• energy efficiency;
• smart city development;
• environmental and social innovation challenges.

Basis for future cooperation

The network provides a foundation for future cooperation initiatives, including joint applications for EU and national funding programmes and the development of new innovation procurement and urban innovation projects.

Sustainability of the network

The continuation of the BSR Cities Network beyond the project duration is foreseen through the continued operation and accessibility of the PPI4Cities Platform.

The network is designed as an open and evolving community. Existing members, as well as new organisations and stakeholders, can continue participating by:

• registering on the platform;
• accessing and using available materials and tools;
• sharing experiences and good practices;
• contributing content and knowledge related to Public Procurement of Innovation.

No separate governance or funding structure is currently planned specifically for the network. However, its sustainability is supported through:

• the continued availability and usability of the platform;
• open and free access for new participants;
• the ongoing relevance of the knowledge, tools, and cooperation established during the project.

Join the BSR Cities Network

Are you a municipality, public authority, innovation agency, SME, university, NGO, or organisation interested in innovation-driven public services and Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI)?

Join the BSR Cities Network and become part of a growing community of cities and stakeholders collaborating to develop innovative, sustainable, and user-centred solutions across the Baltic Sea Region and beyond.

By joining the network, you can:

• exchange knowledge and good practices with other cities and organisations;
• access practical PPI tools, methodologies, and CityLab resources;
• connect with innovation stakeholders and potential project partners;
• participate in future cooperation and funding opportunities;
• contribute to the development of innovative public services and procurement approaches.

Participation in the network is open and free of charge through the PPI4Cities Platform.

How to join

1. Register on the platform
2. Create your organisation profile
3. Access resources and tools
4. Share experiences and connect with other members
5. Participate in collaborative innovation activities and future initiatives

Be part of the growing innovation procurement community and help shape smarter and more sustainable public services for the future.

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