IT operations report proposals a step forward - now the pace must be maintained

In Sweden, the public market for IT operations services has been at a standstill for a couple of years. Fewer and fewer people dare to tender. The legal risks seem to be mounting and no one really knows exactly what applies. According to a market analysis by Radar Group, the inaction that follows the uncertainty costs society billions of kronor every year. The much sought-after digitization of the public sector is being slowed down. Just when it is needed most. There have been arguments about what the legal conditions actually are. Various experts and stakeholders have expressed opinions in all sorts of directions. The only thing that has seemed clear is that the situation is highly unclear. Creating stable and clear market conditions is therefore something that should unite everyone who wants the market to work.

In our consultation response to the IT Operations Inquiry's interim report on the legal conditions for outsourcing, we have emphasized the need for a rapid process. New provisions that support the authorities in weighing up their interests are needed. Not least in light of the total lockdown in the IT operations market. They should be allowed to challenge. Then the rules must also work in practice. This is a major challenge in itself, as the legal and technical issues are anything but simple. At the same time, there is a major shortage of digital skills in many public organizations. This is highlighted in the inquiry's mapping of authorities. However, no proposals are made in the interim report.

The Government now needs to ensure that public authorities have the support they need to make decisions about using cloud services. This will be an important piece of the puzzle if the proposed rules, once they come into force, are to help thaw the public IT operations market.

Pär Nygårds
Industrial policy expert, IT&Telecom companies

Read the full response here