This research aims to design a policy framework for public procurement for innovation, based on an analysis of 23 priority projects for innovative public procurement in the IRAN's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, 17 experts were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis. For the quantitative phase, the statistical population included managers from public procurement organizations, knowledge-based suppliers, and innovation/industrial policymaking entities. Based on the sample size formula in factor analysis equations, 165 people were selected. Data collection involved a questionnaire derived from qualitative findings.

The qualitative analysis yielded 216 initial codes, 39 basic themes, 9 organizing themes, and 4 global themes:

1. Selecting the right public procurement for innovation policy in the field of ICT,

2. Aligning Public Procurement Procedures with selected policy for public procurement for innovation,

3. Coordination of the National Innovation System with public procurement for Innovation Policy, and

4. Supportive institutional framework for public procurement for Innovation policy.

In the quantitative phase, normative and factor analyses confirmed the model’s robustness.

This research contributes to demand-driven innovation literature by offering a framework for policymakers and public procurement practitioners seeking to leverage public purchasing as a strategic tool for fostering innovation.