KS Digital promises not to compete with private suppliers
The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) has recently clarified the role of its new initiative, KS Digital. Many in the technology industry have been uncertain about whether the new organization would become a competitor to private companies that provide digital solutions to Norwegian municipalities.
In an official response, KS emphasizes that KS Digital will not compete with the private supplier market. Instead, the goal is to act as a support partner that can contribute to better digital services in the public sector. This is to be achieved through collaboration, rather than by taking over tasks that private actors are already performing today.
KS describes a model where KS Digital will work closely with KS to coordinate digital needs across municipalities. By having clear roles, the organization hopes to create more predictability for companies that sell IT solutions to the public sector. This is important so that municipalities can continue to purchase modern technology from the private market.
This clarification is intended to calm concerns within the industry. By defining the boundaries of what KS Digital will do, the organization aims to facilitate a healthier and more efficient collaboration between the public sector and private technology suppliers in the future.