What if buying less actually delivers more?

That is exactly what the NAMI (which translates to Not Buying, Buying Differently and Buying Less) project by THUAS and its partners is all about. The project has been nominated for the RAAK Award 2026, which recognises the best practice-oriented research conducted by universities of applied sciences, and is also in the running for the public award.

A different approach to procurement

The Dutch central government spends €19.3 billion annually* on products, services and construction works. NAMI explores how this spending can be smarter and more sustainable by moving away from automatic purchasing and considering three alternatives: not buying, buying differently and buying less.

“Perhaps the most circular and sustainable way to procure something is not to buy it at all. So the key question is: what do we really need?” says Mirjam Kibbeling, Professor of Public Procurement and NAMI project leader. “It’s about a shift in mindset: how can we use fewer raw materials? This makes us more agile and reduces our ecological footprint.”

From idea to practice

The research is tested in practice in collaboration with procurement professionals, policymakers and knowledge partners. This has resulted in teaching cases, an inspiration kit, publications and video explainers, among other things.

“We’re exploring how circular strategies such as refuse, reduce and rethink can be applied in practice,” Mirjam explains.

The knowledge gained through NAMI is also finding its way into education, including minor programmes and the new Master’s programme in Public Procurement, jointly offered by THUAS, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

Help NAMI win the public award

NAMI is one of six nominees for the RAAK Award 2026. The winners of both the RAAK Award and the public award will be announced on 26 November at the SIA Congress in Hilversum.

With your vote, NAMI could win the €5,000 public award. Vote for NAMI before 26 November and help give practice-oriented research into sustainable procurement a bigger platform.

Vote for NAMI in the RAAK Award public vote
Voting takes less than a minute.

Project partners: Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, THUAS, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Public Procurement Expertise Centre (PIANOo) and the professional association NEVI.

About research at THUAS

THUAS is a knowledge institution where research, education and professional practice work together to create societal impact. Our research groups take a multidisciplinary approach to three themes: a just society, the transition to sustainability and the digital future.

The project was co-funded by the Taskforce for Applied Research SIA. 

*Source: Annual Report on Central Government Operations 2025, published by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and submitted to the House of Representatives on 20 May 2026 (Accountability Day): https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/d7aadf0d-c9a3-46bb-9c79-7886a14907ec, p. 103.