The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced plans to build a digital marketplace “comparable to an app store”, which will reportedly change the technology procurement process in the UK public sector.
The National Digital Exchange platform will be designed to make it “faster and easier to buy the right technology”, encourage small businesses to get involved with government contracts, and allow public servants the power to rate and review suppliers.
It will reportedly provide access to “pre-approved tech deals at nationally negotiated prices”, using an AI powered engine to match public services with suppliers “in a matter of hours”.
As well as the digital marketplace, the DSIT is also planning on developing a “digital playbook”, which will offer guidance on best practices, helping to guarantee that the “long-term impacts of their decisions and the social value of contracts are considered”.
Speaking on the potential of the NDX, minister for AI and digital government, Feryal Clark, commented” “We’ve all heard the stories – months of red tape, tech that doesn’t deliver, and money wasted. That’s not good enough for the people we serve. The National Digital Exchange aims to change that. It will make it faster, fairer, and focused on what works – with real reviews, upfront pricing and smart AI to match buyers with the right suppliers in hours. It’s a clear example of our Plan for Change in action: cutting waste, boosting innovation, and backing British tech to deliver better public services”.
Digital transformation plans across the NHS: the wider trend
The Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26 was published recently, setting out seven priorities offering the “biggest impact” on UEC improvement over the coming winter. It also focused on minimum requirements for system winter plans as well as roles and responsibilities across NHSE, DHSC, trusts and ICBs.
NHS England’s most recent board meeting covered the 2025/26 operating plan and next steps, highlighting the “level of challenge that will be involved in delivering this financial plan alongside operational performance ambitions”. It provides insights into system efficiencies, elective care and cancer, as well as urgent and emergency care.
Last month, the DHSC introduced “carrot and stick” performance-based pay conditions for NHS leaders, with the potential for bonuses and cuts in pay rises. The plan is designed to establish stricter accountability and ensure greater financial rigour at both trust and ICB level. As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the new measures will see bonuses of up to 10 percent awarded to top performing executives.
NHS England published an opportunity for the re-procurement of the NHS digital weight management programme, to offer a national service to patients with a BMI of 30 plus. The procurement process has been separated into three different lots, each of which concentrates on providing different levels of access to the digital weight management programme.
