In this chapter our objective is twofold. First we try to present a comprehensive vision of the evolutionary role of the purchasing function in regard of the Offer Creation Process (OCP) of firms. We
present 3 alternative organizational solutions enabling to effectively connect the purchasing actors to the OCP. Thereby, among the new roles emerging for the purchasing function, one is particularly
specific to situations where top management is expecting a real contribution in innovation process: the role of Innovation scouting. Therefore the second objective of the paper is a conceptual
contribution in order to shape what should be the specific content of scouting innovation from external resources. Our presentation takes into account two contingency factors: the degree of innovation maturity and the status of the target partners in the supply base (existing or new). As a synthesis we propose a framework for choosing suitable organizing model for purchasing functions
urged to increase their contribution to the OCP.