Page 7 - Procurement guidelines for smart sustainable cities - A U4SSC deliverable

Executive summary

Cities, societies and communities are increasingly influenced by the evolution of technology. The
term “smart” is frequently used to reflect technological progress. Additionally, the smart way to
build our digital world is to ensure that it is sustainable and inclusive, and enables everyone,
regardless of gender, age or ability to benefit equally and equitably from, and be empowered by,
new technologies.

The potential of technology, in particular the way it is purchased, has a significant impact on
improving public services and benefitting society directly. However, this potential cannot be
realized if governments and stakeholders at all levels invest in outdated technology, fail to work
effectively with suppliers or prioritize bureaucracy over the needs of the people and organizations.

The Procurement Guidelines for Smart Sustainable Cities aim to present new ways of buying digital
and technology products, services and capabilities that are fair, open, transparent, effective and
multidisciplinary. The Guidelines also focus on meeting users’ needs in a way that is accessible,
so that anyone can benefit from them regardless of their age, gender, capacities or the context of
their use, and that they are fit for supporting Internet-era digital public service delivery.

How can the Guidelines help?

The Guidelines are for anyone who engages in procurement activities for their country’s public
sector, whether for local, regional or national government organizations. The Guidelines focus on
digital, data and technology products, services and capabilities, as these topics are most needed
to support public sector transformation. Information is intended to be relevant internationally and
not specific to any particular regulatory environment.

The Guidelines will help provide a:

• better digital and technology services for communities;
• higher integrity levels in technology purchasing;

• more inclusive technology purchasing that benefits society; and

• more effective purchasing that delivers social value for money.

Procurement guidelines for smart sustainable cities | May 2023 v