North East technology leaders are calling for closer engagement with public sector commissioners and greater opportunities to test new technologies, following discussions about how procurement can better support regional businesses, innovation and social value.
The findings are published in Dynamo North East’s new Reimagining Procurement and Social Value report, which brings together feedback from a Leadership Forum involving stakeholders from across the region’s technology, public, private and voluntary sectors.
The report sets out three key recommendations:
- Strengthen engagement between commissioners and the regional technology sector
- Support the testing and adoption of technology-led innovation
- Strengthen the evidence base for procurement and social value
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Dr David Dunn (pictured), chief executive officer 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 the North East Procurement Organisation (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.”
The report also explores barriers facing smaller businesses, approaches to supporting innovation and how social value can deliver meaningful benefits for communities.
Read the full Dynamo Leadership Forum report on Reimagining Procurement and Social Value here.
