Sweden public procurement calls for strategic leadership

Discussions are growing regarding the strategic role and efficiency of public procurement in Sweden. Viktor Morawski, a board member of Sveriges offentliga inköpare (SOI), argues that procurement functions should be elevated to executive management positions. He notes that public procurement involves over 1,000 billion SEK annually and significantly impacts the functioning of the welfare state, yet it is often relegated to an administrative support role.

Morawski suggests that involving procurement early in decision-making processes could prevent the loss of potential savings. He cites Locum, the real estate company for Region Stockholm, as an example of an organization that has already appointed a procurement director reporting directly to the CEO.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of public framework agreements. Language consultant Barbro Zetterberg highlights a discrepancy between estimated procurement volumes and actual orders placed by authorities. She points out that significant resources are spent by both authorities and suppliers on tenders, yet in some cases, very few or no orders are actually issued following the establishment of an agreement, questioning the efficient use of taxpayer money.