Public procurement of healthcare in Europe: the case of medical devices

This paper analyzes the public procurement of orthopaedic implants and related medical devices in Europe. We analyze the legal framework laid down by the EU Procurement Directives, especially with regard to awarding procedures and contractual forms. We then use data covering the universe of EU public tenders for the period 2009-2014 to describe the key empirical features of the market with regard to awarding procedures and contractual forms. We discuss implications for quality, competition, corruption and product innovation in light of both our data and the new Directive 2014/24/EU.