From Provider to Partner – Strategic Procurement in Health and Preparedness

Norway’s current procurement and pricing models in health are largely optimized for short-term cost efficiency. Mechanisms such as strict price competition drive prices down, but overlook broader value contributions from pharmaceutical and MedTech companies. At the same time, industry contributes far beyond just products: R&D, local competence, industrial presence, support to patient organizations, and resilient supply chains are also deeply relevant. These contributions are not systematically captured and valued in today’s frameworks.

A more unstable geopolitical environment marked by supply chain fragility, strategic country competition, and increased preparedness needs creates a structural challenge.

How can Norway balance cost control with long-term preparedness, supply security, and innovation?

In the defense industry, procurement is used much more actively and with intent. It’s about building capacity over time, not just buying at the lowest cost in a given year. There are long-term agreements, closer industry dialogue, intent to build national capability, and clearer expectations on both sides. Healthcare procurement is still largely transactional.

Norway has strong public finances, high institutional trust, and well-developed research environments. These strengths provide a solid basis for taking a more strategic approach.

What can the healthcare sector learn from defense procurements and long-term partnerships? Which elements are transferable, and where are the differences too significant? How can policy and procurement frameworks support both predictability for investment and stronger national and regional preparedness, while preserving patient access?

The meeting features two panel discussions, with a short mingling break between them:
Panel 1 - Is the system fit for purpose? Exploring current challenges and realities
Panel 2 - What would it take, in practice ? Discussing concrete steps and solutions