The UK public sector spends £300bn a year buying good, services and works from the private sector. UK local government procurement alone accounts for £60bn a year. This represents a significant lever public authorities can use to create and shape markets. IPEC is a new initiative from Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, Manchester Institute of Innovation Research and others to inspire and empower public sector leaders in harnessing the power of the market, spark new solutions and stimulate economic growth.