Tech leaders call for procurement rethink

North East technology leaders are calling for closer collaboration with public sector commissioners to help regional businesses innovate and compete for contracts.

A new report from Dynamo North East has outlined recommendations for improving procurement and strengthening the social value generated through public spending.

Reimagining Procurement and Social Value brings together feedback from a Dynamo Leadership Forum involving representatives from the region’s technology, public, private and voluntary sectors.

It calls for stronger engagement between commissioners and technology businesses, alongside more opportunities to test and adopt technology-led innovation.

The report also recommends strengthening the evidence used to inform procurement and measure social value, while exploring barriers facing smaller businesses and opportunities to support innovation.

In addition, it considers how social value requirements can deliver meaningful benefits for communities while creating greater opportunities for regional firms.

Dr David Dunn, chief executive of Dynamo North East, who facilitated the forum and authored the report, said: “Public sector spend is a huge untapped opportunity to both drive innovation in public service delivery and support the growth of our regional tech sector.

“One of the powerful messages that came through in this Dynamo Leadership Forum was the desire from both sides to learn more about each other. 

“For the public sector to better share challenges to overcome, and from the tech sector, to share new ideas and innovations.

“Hopefully this report helps keep that conversation going and leads to more opportunities for North East businesses.”

Keith Lamb, social value and supplier coordinator at NEPO, added: “Creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between buyers and regional businesses is essential to developing a strong and competitive supplier market. 

“The Procurement Act places greater emphasis on reducing barriers for SMEs, and early engagement plays a key role in achieving this. 

“Continuing that dialogue helps businesses better understand public sector opportunities, while giving commissioners greater insight into the capabilities, innovation and local expertise available across the North East.

“By working together earlier in the procurement journey, we can create a more accessible, competitive and resilient marketplace that delivers value for our communities.”

To read the report, click here.

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