How the NHS can Unlock Procurement Innovation
The Health Tech Alliance (HTA), a coalition of health technology companies and stakeholders across the NHS and the wider health system have published a report which outlines the need for reform in NHS procurement.
The HTA is a solutions-driven coalition of health technology (health tech) companies, united by the aim of driving up the adoption of health tech that are proven to improve patient outcomes and deliver cost savings to the NHS.
Its membership ranges from established global medical technology (med tech) firms to smaller-scale startups, developing innovative solutions for diagnostics, digital health and medical devices.
Coalition calls for systematic change
Following a series of findings with NHS leaders, clinicians, industry and policymakers, it has detailed how bureaucratic complexity and fragmented pathways are slowing the adoption of life-improving innovation across the health service.
The report, Unlocking innovation: recommendations for transforming NHS health tech procurement by the Health Tech Alliance, sets out an analysis of the current NHS procurement landscape, and a set of recommendations and solutions to help the NHS unlock sustainable transformation of the health system.
It has created a roadmap for forming a procurement system which will be more streamlined, transparent and innovation-friendly, all of which is essential for delivering better patient outcomes and long-term value for the NHS.
Within this 10 year health plan, it also explores the implementation of a standardised value-based procurement guidance for devices and digital products starting in early 2026, this report is an analysis of the current system and necessary practical steps for driving systematic change.
Transforming NHS healthTech procurement: a vision for the future
The NHS procurement landscape has become increasingly intricate, with recent developments adding layers of complexity.
The convergence of broader health system reforms, shifting policy frameworks, legislative updates and the growing emphasis on value-based healthcare has fundamentally reshaped how HealthTech procurement operates and is governed.
A unified vision
Through three comprehensive workshops, participants established a shared vision for procurement transformation. They outlined an integrated ecosystem where all procurement stakeholders work collaboratively through optimised processes, underpinned by transparent pathways that foster innovation at every stage.
This reimagined system positions procurement as a strategic enabler, driving efficient HealthTech evaluation and implementation while maintaining rigorous standards for safety, financial responsibility and enhanced patient outcomes.
Essential elements of future procurement
The transformed procurement environment would be characterised by several fundamental components:
Adaptive procurement pathways: Implementation of clear, user-friendly procurement routes that adjust to match the risk-benefit profile of each technology, ensuring proportionate assessment processes.
Continuous stakeholder engagement: Establishment of ongoing, meaningful communication channels between all parties involved in procurement decisions, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
Balanced governance framework: Development of comprehensive frameworks and guidance that eliminate redundancy while achieving optimal equilibrium between national standardisation for efficiency, transparency and knowledge sharing and local autonomy to address specific community health requirements.
Supplier accessibility: Creation of transparent, straightforward processes that enable suppliers to navigate procurement requirements with clarity and confidence.
Innovation support infrastructure: Implementation of specialised assistance programmes and dedicated access channels specifically designed to support small and medium enterprises and emerging startups in the HealthTech sector.
Roadmap for reform
- Streamlining central procurement processes and reducing administrative burden for all stakeholders.
- Prioritising value-based procurement that considers long-term outcomes, not just short-term costs.
- Creating a central portal and knowledge hub to support SMEs and innovators.
- Enhancing early engagement and knowledge sharing across NHS organisations.
- Ring-fencing innovation budgets at trust and ICS level.
- Improving coordination and consistency across Integrated Care Systems to reduce fragmentation and spread best practice.
- Investing in education and training to support a culture of innovation and value-based decision making in NHS procurement teams.
Dame Barbara Hakin, HTA Chair and former Deputy Chief Executive of NHSE, says: "The NHS stands at a critical juncture. With unprecedented and growing pressures on our health services, there has never been a greater need to unlock the potential of health tech innovation.
"Last week's commitment to better value-based procurement practices in the 10 Year Plan is a vital step forward, reinforcing the need for a smarter, more strategic approach to equipping the NHS.
"Our report brings together the voices of clinicians, industry and NHS leaders to provide a clear and practical roadmap for procurement reform - one that will prioritise high-impact technologies, deliver more value and ultimately ensure better care for patients.
"By supporting the adoption of evidence-based innovation and fostering closer collaboration between policymakers, the NHS and the health tech sector, we have a unique opportunity to drive real, tangible progress for patients and the UK health tech sector alike.
"We thank our procurement workshop attendees for their invaluable contributions as we work towards a stronger, more sustainable future for our health system."
