Nordic e-procurement can generate savings for taxpayers

Although informal coordination has taken place amongst the Nordic countries for several years, it is recognised that intensifying and formalizing this coordination can further assist in the establishment of a true common and open market for public e-procurement in the Nordic countries and provide an opportunity for increased influence on European developments.

Nordic e-Procurement Network

The Nordic e-Procurement Network is a corporation amongst policy makers in the Nordic countries aimed at facilitating the practical use of electronic collaboration in the procurement chain, based on available international standards.

The key tasks for the network is to

• facilitate interoperability and practical use of e-procurement in both domestic and cross border trade among the Nordic countries and in Europe;
• harmonize different types of e-procurement documents and procedures;
• contribute to the development and use of international standards for e-procurement;
• contribute to knowledge sharing on National policies among the Nordic countries. 

A set of concrete actions

Following a feasibility study during the fall of 2016, a set of concrete actions has been agreed for development during 2017:

1. Providing for an increased awareness at policy level in the Nordic region; 

2. Secure that relevant European standards are developed in an efficient and timely manner to support the needs of the Nordic region; 

3. Facilitate and coordinate common approaches and activities in the Nordic region; 

4. Secure common implementation of standards and solutions through better knowledge and understanding of the reason why current differences exists; 

5. Facilitate a harmonised Nordic market for the full public e-procurement process. 


These actions are developed with the support of contracted editing resources, partly funded by the Nordic Council, in virtual and physical meetings as needed. The work of the Nordic e-Procurement Network is expected to continue also during 2018 with an outreach to incorporate also the Baltic countries.