I’d like to share some fascinating takeaways from my participation as the keynote speaker at the recent InnovationAus Capability Papers event in Canberra. This experience has been incredibly enlightening, as I engaged in discussions that are actively moulding the trajectory of our industry. The event was particularly noteworthy due to its diverse audience, including representatives from both Government and the Technology sector.

Being in the midst of Government and technology discussions is precisely where Tendertrace belongs, as we stand as the bridge that closes the gap between innovation and Government harnessing ALL innovation from a diverse supplier base (enterprise, large and SMEs) for better citizen experience.

I also had the privilege of showcasing how Tendertrace is assuming a pivotal role in this journey. Beyond just data, our focus lies in delivering insightful and actionable information, benefiting both government entities and suppliers like yourself.

Some of the audience members were also taken aback by the insights I presented from Tendertrace’s Transparency Index on Defence, which I will cover below.

Local Enterprises and Government Support:

One key theme that resonated throughout the event was the need for government backing of homegrown technology. Local vendors, like us at Tendertrace, are keen on harnessing our innovative potential and making an impact not just within Australia, but also on the global stage. We’re talking about legislation to promote Australian-made products and strategic agreements with other nations to pave the way for this transformation.

Defence Industry Dynamics:

The discussions highlighted a notable imbalance in the Defence sector. Many experts pointed out that other countries tend to prioritise their interests, which doesn’t always create a level playing field. The unanimous call was for Australia to assertively safeguard its valuable assets and avoid them slipping into foreign hands.

Innovation and Niche Markets:

Professor Ganjia and Michael Biercuk had some intriguing insights. They emphasised the significance of Australia’s originality and suggested that we focus on niche markets where our unique perspective can make a global impact. It’s about boldly challenging established global players while aligning with our country’s exceptional identity.

Global Ambitions and Intellectual Property:

The event brought to light concerns around intellectual property within the Defence sector. Collaborating with educational institutions was highlighted as an issue, and the consensus was for Australia to enhance innovation while embracing global best practices. We aim to be more than just dominant in a confined space – we’re looking at a broader, international impact.

Tendertrace’s Insights:

At Tendertrace, we shared insights from our Transparency Index on Defence. The Department of Defence scored an impressive 71.2% in transparency, surpassing the national average of 52.9%.

If you would like a copy of the Defence report I presented please request it here. 

Areas for further improvement unfolded.

We identified areas for further improvement, such as detailed contract descriptions and clearer linkage between tenders and contract notices. Our platform is all about providing clarity and actionable data.

“In Canberra, we delved into the intricacies of government procurement data. During the conversation with Abu Odigie, Co-founder of Tendertrace, we explored their ingenious platform engineered to extract valuable and actionable data for both government entities and suppliers alike.”

Corrie McLeod, InnovationAus discussion host mentioned after the event

It was a truly enlightening event, and I’m excited about the future possibilities that these discussions are uncovering

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Australian Financial Review Government Services Summit, where I witnessed a convergence of ideas, policies, and innovative strategies aimed at optimising and connecting digital public services.

The Australian Financial Review Government Services Summit was a visionary event, showcasing the progressive mindset of government leaders and their commitment to revolutionising public services. It is evident that collaboration, customer-centricity, and the strategic integration of technology hold the key to a more efficient, unified, and trusted public service delivery system. 

Here are 7 key take homes from my experience:

Collaborating for the Greater Good

Ursula Brennan, National Leader, Public Sector and Public Policy, Deloitte Australia emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors for the greater good. This cooperation can enhance service delivery, as evidenced in Estonia, where interactions between the two spheres have proven successful.

Customer-Centric Approach

The Hon Bill Shorten, Minister for Government Services, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, highlighted the shift towards consumer-driven, customer-centric government services. The completion of the myGov audit and its funding security signifies a commitment to better serving citizens through critical national infrastructure. The premise of “tell us once” and adherence to GDPR-like regulations underline the government’s dedication to ensuring data privacy and citizen trust.

Learning from Failures: Robo-Debt

The Robo-Debt Royal Commission report demonstrated the significant human, financial, and reputational costs associated with technology failures. To avoid such pitfalls, it is crucial to prioritise citizen-centered design and invest in our public sector workforce’s capabilities.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

The discussion around Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolved around debunking fears and embracing its potential. The Hon Jihad Dib, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government NSW encouraged the involvement of citizens in the journey to minimize fear and increase trust. He stressed the need to put people at the center and ensure a personalised, inclusive approach to digital transformation.

Building a Trusted Digital Identity Framework

The establishment of a trusted digital identity framework was a recurring theme. Such a framework, with verifiable credentials, would enhance cybersecurity, streamline service delivery, and instill greater confidence in the public sector.

Collaboration and Regulatory Innovation

The panel discussions underscored the necessity of collaboration between states and the federal government to achieve seamless service delivery. Regulatory innovation and regulatory sandboxes emerged as tools to bridge the gap between emerging technology and effective regulation, while also fostering a pro-consumer and pro-competition environment.

Preparing for the AI Revolution

The session on getting ahead of AI highlighted the need for understanding AI’s characteristics and seeking expertise. While AI may transform job roles, it will also improve overall productivity across the public sector.

Our platform brings together decentralised data from various levels of government and transforms it into actionable market intelligence.

During our conversation, James rightly pointed out that traditional platforms like AusTender serve their purpose. But what sets Tendertrace apart is our deep understanding of supplier needs and our ability to generate intelligence that is relevant and insightful. We want to disrupt the traditional buying cycle and provide suppliers with the right data and analysis to make informed decisions.

Transparency is also a key focus for us. While platforms like AusTender provide information, we strive to go beyond that and present the data in a way that enables users to extract valuable intelligence. By linking suppliers to specific contracts, we offer insights that go beyond surface-level information.

James asked about our customers, I described how they come from various tiers, ranging from large organisations to SMEs and startups across industries such as ICT, services, healthcare, and infrastructure. We understand that data is a critical enabler for driving strategy, and our platform empowers businesses of all sizes to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge.

He then went on to ask if our customers have to pull the data themselves or do we also offer a service that helps time-poor executives to access key data.  I explained we offer the subscription model and bespoke reports to cater to the unique needs of our customers. In addition to this we offer workshops for account teams giving them reports and actionable insights to elevate their strategy and approach.

I explained Tendertrace is not just a technology company; we’re a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of government procurement.

James asked if we had plans to expand beyond Australia, looking ahead, we have exciting plans for expansion. New Zealand is our next target market, followed by the UK, where the governance around data is even stronger. We also have our sights set on the US, a market ripe with opportunities for innovation.

Listen to the full podcast episode on InnovationAus to dive deeper into our discussion.

This summary only scratches the surface of the valuable insights we explored.