Table 2

Description of relational interfaces in traditional research procurement procedures and selected projects at different stages of procurement

Procurement stageTraditional research procurement procedures in alphaProjects A and C (more toward interactive interfaces)Project B (more toward Translative)
Main interfaceStandardized/SpecifiedInteractive and translativeInteractive and translative
Pre-procurement and definition of needsStandardized assortment of the defined service using formal call for proposals, strict specifications and standardized templatesJoint development between buyer and supplier, with an open-ended dialogue in informal agreements to exploit their combined resourcesThe buying party’s needs are based on the functionality of the policy research service, and the supplier must translate the functional needs into specific deliverables
Procurement processFixed contracts, predefined deliverables, formal communication channelsInformal collaboration alongside formal structures, with negotiation based on emergent needsContracts formalize initial flexible agreements, ensuring alignment with procurement rules while adapting to evolving requirements
Service collaboration, monitoring & evaluationStandardized monitoring templates, predefined KPIs, structured reportingMix of informal and formal evaluation, ad hoc coordination, ongoing adjustments based on feedbackPerformance metrics adapted to project needs, blending formalized reporting with flexible evaluation methods
Source(s): Authors’ own work

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