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Departments are strengthening digital procurement to balance centralisation and SME opportunities.

Conclusion
We questioned DSIT and the Cabinet Office on how they were strengthening digital procurement in government to support competition and innovation. They told us these issues were an ongoing challenge and that they wanted to find a balance between guiding procurement centrally without stifling opportunities to buy locally from SMEs.54 Measures they are taking include setting up a digital commercial centre of expertise to ensure that they build the expertise they need.55
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 10 July 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 1.5 yrs
Report published 26 Mar 2025