The UK government has unveiled plans for a new digital marketplace that aims to revolutionise how the public sector purchases technology.

Although still in the early stages of development, the proposed digital hub is intended to help public sector organisations harness collective buying power. Artificial Intelligence will also be used to match organisations with suitable suppliers based on their specific needs.

According to a recent State of Digital Government report, many public sector bodies currently use similar digital tools but procure them through individual negotiations. The new digital marketplace is expected to allow users to rate and review the technology they adopt—helping others make informed choices through shared experiences.

What Could This Mean for Technology Suppliers?

  • Increased opportunities: The platform is being developed to broaden access for UK tech companies. With a goal of boosting small business involvement in government contracts by 40% over the next three years, the marketplace could unlock more opportunities for smaller tech firms.

  • Focus on customer experience: A public rating and review system will shine a spotlight on service delivery, making a strong customer experience more important than ever.

  • Greater pricing pressure: One of the core aims of the digital marketplace is to give public sector organisations more leverage in negotiations, which may lead to an expectation of lower costs from suppliers.

The new platform is part of a wider programme being delivered under the revised Procurement Regulations. A new “digital playbook” is also being developed to support best practice in tech purchasing across the public sector.

Tech businesses already working with—or hoping to work with—the public sector should keep a close eye on how this initiative progresses.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/one-stop-shop-for-tech-could-save-taxpayers-12-billion-and-overhaul-how-government-buys-digital-tools