How to Use the OECD Digital Transformation of Public Procurement Good Practice Report

Why it is worth focusing on the Digital Transformation of Public Procurement

The OECD Digital Transformation of Public Procurement Good Practice Report is an essential guide for governments, agencies, and organisations aiming to modernise their procurement systems. Public procurement is not just about buying goods and services—it shapes how governments spend money, deliver services, and build trust with citizens.

This OECD report provides good practices, case studies, and recommendations for countries and organisations at different stages of digital transformation. It helps leaders understand how to make procurement more efficient, transparent, and user-centred. This article explains how to use the report effectively, turning insights into action.

Understanding the Core Themes of the OECD Report

At its heart, the OECD report highlights three major pillars of digital transformation in procurement:

1. End-to-end lifecycle integration – rethinking the procurement process from planning to payment as a seamless system.

2. Adoption of emerging technologies – applying tools like AI, blockchain, and robotic process automation to improve efficiency and trust.

3. Robust data capabilities – ensuring data is reliable, standardised, and usable across platforms.

By focusing on these pillars, governments can shift from fragmented, paper-heavy systems to adaptive, future-ready procurement ecosystems.

Using the OECD Report to Guide Strategic Planning

The report is more than a summary—it is a roadmap. Here’s how decision-makers can use it for strategy:

• Set a vision and roadmap: Use the OECD’s frameworks to define clear goals for procurement modernisation.

• Benchmark progress: Compare national or organisational practices against OECD good practices.

• Identify barriers: The report lists common challenges, such as limited digital skills, siloed systems, and resistance to change. Recognising these early helps avoid delays.

• Plan investment priorities: It highlights areas where governments should invest, including digital infrastructure, skills, and interoperable systems.

End-to-End Digital Transformation of Public Procurement

One of the most powerful parts of the OECD report is the focus on end-to-end approaches. This means viewing procurement not as separate steps (tendering, awarding, paying) but as one connected process.

Practical applications include:

• Designing integrated platforms that link market consultation, bidding, contract management, and payment.

• Breaking down institutional silos so different agencies can collaborate.

• Applying automation to routine tasks to free up staff for strategic work.

This approach improves efficiency, reduces duplication, and strengthens transparency.

Applying Emerging Technologies in Procurement

Another central theme is the use of emerging technologies in public procurement. The report shows how tools such as:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) – for analysing large sets of procurement data to spot risks or trends.

• Blockchain – for secure, tamper-proof records of contracts and payments.

• Robotic process automation (RPA) – for speeding up repetitive tasks like document checks.

• Internet of Things (IoT) – for monitoring supply chains in real time.

Using these technologies responsibly can help governments improve service delivery, increase competition, and strengthen trust. The OECD also cautions against challenges such as skills shortages, security risks, and public trust concerns.

Strengthening Data Governance in Procurement

The OECD report stresses that data is the foundation of digital transformation. Without good data, technologies like AI cannot work effectively.

The report suggests:

• Building government-wide data strategies.

• Ensuring procurement data is standardised and machine-readable.

• Addressing privacy, security, and accountability risks.

• Encouraging open data to promote transparency and innovation.

Countries like Estonia and Chile show how centralised platforms with strong data integration can simplify procurement and improve participation.

Creating a Framework for Implementation

The report also provides a framework for digital procurement transformation, recommending that governments:

• Ensure strong leadership and coordination across agencies.

• Regularly update laws and regulations to keep up with new technologies.

• Invest in infrastructure and training.

• Design systems around users—whether suppliers, contracting authorities, or citizens.

By following these steps, governments can create adaptive procurement systems that are resilient to future challenges.

Turning OECD Insights into Action

The OECD Digital Transformation of Public Procurement Good Practice Report is a valuable tool for governments and organisations seeking to modernise their procurement practices. By applying its guidance—end-to-end lifecycle integration, emerging technologies, and strong data governance—leaders can achieve:

• Greater efficiency and cost savings.

• Increased transparency and accountability.

• Stronger trust between governments, suppliers, and citizens.

• Future-proof systems ready for new challenges.

For policymakers, procurement leaders, and advisors, the message is clear: this is not just about technology, but about creating smarter, more responsive public procurement systems.

See: Digital transformation of public procurement (EN)

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