Going Digital: Procurement “made easier” in Vic Gov’s new strategy

The Victorian Government has outlined a new approach to technology procurement under it’s long-awaited Digital Strategy 2021-2026.

The overarching message when it comes to procurement is: “Making it easier to do business.”

There will be a core focus on how the Victorian Government will work with private tech companies through procurement and partnerships.

The digital strategy states “Government procurement and partnering is a significant lever for stimulating the digital economy. It says fully realising this potential relies on government being accessible and easy to do business with.

The Victorian has vowed to adopt a four-step approach to software selection, favouring the reuse of existing technology in the first instance, with build as a last resort: “Reuse before Rent before Buy before Build”, the strategy states.

The Victorian Government has pledged to simplify the process of doing e-business by continuing to implement easier to use platforms that ensure digital is the preferred mode of engagement and meets businesses expectations.

It acknowledges “complex requirements for doing business” can be a significant barrier to organisations which find it “too complex to take up opportunities.”

It alludes to a centralized system being explored, as 88 per cent of countries have established a one-stop shop portal, mostly with no need for re-identification, to simplify interactions with government.

By 2025, the digital economy could generate 8,000 jobs for Victorians, with a $1.5 billion economic benefit and a further $25-30 billion uplift in the Gross State Product through information, communication and technology services revenue. Victorian Government Digital Strategy 2021-2026

The launch of the strategy this week came as the LaunchVic, Victoria’s start-up agency, has reinvigorated its CivVic program to give start-ups a leg up with the know-how to work with government.

It includes a Government Liaison Service (GLS) for established start-ups and scaleups to help them navigate procurement processes and develop valuable networks within Government.

A new six-week pre-accelerator for early-stage start-ups is being introduced where they will work with government to solve challenges and pitch for seed funding to bring their ideas to life.

“We want to ensure that start-ups across the lifecycle, from the very earliest stages right through to established scaleups can receive tailored support in their interactions with the Victorian government,” LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick said.

Since 2018, the CivVic program has supported 38 Victorian start-ups unlock government as a customer.

One such business Social impact start-up, She’s A Crowd, is helping government make transport safer for women and non-binary people by shining a light on gender-based violence.

Expressions of interest for both program streams are now open at the LaunchVic website.