Opinion|Reader’s opinion
Through procurement, significant positive effects on our society can be sought and at the same time the use of public resources can be made more efficient.
During coronavirus there has been a lively debate on public procurement. As often, it is not successes but failed experiences that provoke discussion in Finland. At one time, the cost savings and under-schedule of the Tampere tunnel alliance model did little to stir up, while everyone has something to say about the masks.
So what can be done to get the next subway, a tram, or even those vaccines, with the idea that everyone wins?
Successfully in strategically managed procurement, the facts come to the fore, the desired change, the choice of indicators describing it and the evaluation of the results achieved. The Finnish public sector makes purchases worth about EUR 35 billion annually. A large part of this amount goes to various services, from transport to care and education to health care.
Public procurement is not “just” procurement, but it can be used to achieve significant positive effects on our society and at the same time increase the efficiency of the use of public resources. In September, the first joint public procurement strategy was launched within the framework of the Procurement Finland program, which promotes the social impact of funds used in public procurement and the sustainability of public finances.
Public procurement should be managed as part of a strategic policy and not as a separate island in its own right. A low unit price or a large amount is not much comfort if the service does not work or meets the need. There is also a need for a more open dialogue with the public sector and service providers. Of course, the top management and procurement experts of the municipalities play a key role in all this.
Of course, there are other goals in strategically managed procurement than just the adequacy of the euro. A great example comes from Oulu, whose reputation as a cycling city is only strengthened by the successful acquisition of winter road maintenance. In it, the buyer defines not only the desired condition of the bike paths but also the partnership with the townspeople and the climate goals. Both cyclists, contractors and taxpayers are praising and carbon neutrality targets are advancing.
Public finance indebtedness, and growth following the coronavirus crisis requires new ways of doing so. If at least 10% of public procurement is genuinely geared to reform, employment and green growth, change will set in motion.
This is the aim of the Hankinta-Finland program, which promotes strategic management of public procurement, capabilities, information management, ecological, social and economic responsibility, innovation and the functioning of the market.
Sari Rautio
Chairman of the City Board (Kok), City of Hämeenlinna
Kimmo Jarva
Mayor, City of Lappeenranta
Mika Itänen
CFO, City of Seinäjoki
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source https://pledgetimes.com/reader-s-opinion-everyone-can-win-with-public-procurement/
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