This document discusses the benefits of early procurement involvement in innovation projects. It argues that procurement can help reduce life cycle costs the most when involved from the early concept stage, not just later on. An ideal model involves procurement from the start along with supplier involvement throughout the process. However, conflicting goals between procurement and innovation teams can compromise collaboration. The document proposes an optimal collaboration model from strategy down to process to better leverage the competences of both groups for more efficient innovation and fewer issues later on.