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First Pre-Commercial Procurement Process (PCP) in the field of Biomedicine in Spain
Published on 28 May 2019
Spain
Andalucía
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About this good practice
The Project fosters the role of public authorities as demanders of innovation thru PCP as the University of Cordoba identified an uncovered need for improving surgical procedures that were considered as too invasive and required a longer hospitalization time.
The Project was developed thanks to a cooperation agreement based on three fundamental axes, complementary to each other and of vital importance in the whole project:
•Academic Research: The University of Córdoba was responsible for developing and implementing the artificial vision of the robot.
•Clinical research: Thanks to the collaboration of the Andalusian Health Service, surgeons from the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba advised and tested the robot. The objective was to adapt it to the demands of the operating rooms that already existed so that it had ergonomic characteristics for its users, both patient and surgeon.
•Research, Innovation and Business Development: Tecnalia Foundation was in charge of developing the entire engineering part of the Robot.
The University of Córdoba, in collaboration with the Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (Imibic), promoted the design of a surgical robot that assisted the surgeons of the Hospital Reina Sofía in laparoscopic interventions. The project was innovative in every way: because for the first time in Spain a PCP was developed and also because surgeons participated in the development of the equipment from the first moment.
The Project was developed thanks to a cooperation agreement based on three fundamental axes, complementary to each other and of vital importance in the whole project:
•Academic Research: The University of Córdoba was responsible for developing and implementing the artificial vision of the robot.
•Clinical research: Thanks to the collaboration of the Andalusian Health Service, surgeons from the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba advised and tested the robot. The objective was to adapt it to the demands of the operating rooms that already existed so that it had ergonomic characteristics for its users, both patient and surgeon.
•Research, Innovation and Business Development: Tecnalia Foundation was in charge of developing the entire engineering part of the Robot.
The University of Córdoba, in collaboration with the Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (Imibic), promoted the design of a surgical robot that assisted the surgeons of the Hospital Reina Sofía in laparoscopic interventions. The project was innovative in every way: because for the first time in Spain a PCP was developed and also because surgeons participated in the development of the equipment from the first moment.
Resources needed
The University tendered this project and awarded it with 1.8 million euros to Tecnalia. Funding was provided by 80% of ERDF, and the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness the remaining 20%.
Evidence of success
Further to the Pre Commercial Procurement (PCP), the company Tecnalia succeeded at achieving a working prototype in line with the project's expectations.
The stages of the PCP including market research, expressions of interest and consultations proved to be successful for the establishment of the contract that finally delivered in accordance with expectations.
Furthermore and specifically, the project has generated 21 direct jobs since 2012 and the corresponding indirect employment development
The stages of the PCP including market research, expressions of interest and consultations proved to be successful for the establishment of the contract that finally delivered in accordance with expectations.
Furthermore and specifically, the project has generated 21 direct jobs since 2012 and the corresponding indirect employment development
Potential for learning or transfer
The Balearic Islands, like all other Autonomous Communities in Spain, has a regional Ministry of Health which is responsible for developing the health strategy in the region.
Therefore, a similar initiative could be implemented in the Balearic Islands as this technology does not currently exist.
The Balearic Islands administration has similar institutions as the ones involved in this project, such as the University of the Balearic Islands and Investigation Institutes. Also, potential companies based in the Balearic Islands could undertake all or part of the works.
As for the preparation of the tender, more than 40 multidisciplinary experts were consulted. The Balearic Islands could request a summary/memorandum of these consultations and prepare their own adapting them to their needs.
Therefore, a similar initiative could be implemented in the Balearic Islands as this technology does not currently exist.
The Balearic Islands administration has similar institutions as the ones involved in this project, such as the University of the Balearic Islands and Investigation Institutes. Also, potential companies based in the Balearic Islands could undertake all or part of the works.
As for the preparation of the tender, more than 40 multidisciplinary experts were consulted. The Balearic Islands could request a summary/memorandum of these consultations and prepare their own adapting them to their needs.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Universidad de Córdoba
Spain
Andalucía
Contact
Innovation and Reseach manager