Time to step up the interaction between the public and digital sectors
Reducing the number of appeals, having the courage to prioritize innovation and increasing transparency between public authorities and market actors. These are some of the proposals for action presented in the report 'Suppliers of societal benefits'. The report is based on an analysis of the interaction between the public sector and suppliers inIT and telecommunications. It aims to increase knowledge of the current situation, challenges and opportunities in the public IT and telecom market in order to promote the development of the market and increase societal benefit.
It is a fact that the IT and telecoms industry is an important partner to the public sector. The digitization of society is increasing and the industry offers necessary and smart solutions for, among other things, public administration, welfare, health, education and care. State and municipal administration has a great need for basic equipment and services from our industry, which has become even clearer during the corona crisis and that the need remains and will increase in the future cannot be denied. It is in all our interests as taxpaying citizens that these investments are efficient and that the procurement process is effective, market-driven and competitive. More companies need to take an interest in operating in the public market and public authorities need to be better at harnessing the industry's innovative power, for the benefit of all.
The report identifies six priority areas for development to improve market interactions and conditions.
The areas in brief:
- The number of appeals must be reduced. For the market to function effectively, it is important that appeals continue to decrease. The government must legislate for a process time of a maximum of 90 days in first instance.
- Innovation needs to be prioritized. Contracting authorities and entities need to be bolder and procure on function and the result they want to achieve.
- Increased transparency is important. The public sector are encouraged to establish procurement plans and be transparent about them.
- Better forms of cooperation and dialogue are needed. The public sector and industry need to find even better forms of ongoing cooperation, e.g. by setting up a national forum for strategic procurement issues.
- Support and motivate more companies to operate in the public market. Businesses must be equipped to participate in the public market.
- Industry needs to take responsibility and contribute to good interaction and increased trust. The industry has a responsibility to engage with the cneeds, which requires resources also from suppliers to engage in dialogueg, building trust and confidence.
Report: Providers of societal benefits
(Updated version October 2, 2020)