Procurement Policy Shifts from 'Fair Purchasing' to 'Strategic Support'

The 1st Procurement Policy Deliberation Committee

Strengthening Innovation Procurement Incentives and Promoting Three Major Innovation Plans for the Public Contract System

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance. (File photo)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The government has decided to shift the role of public procurement from the existing 'fair purchasing' to 'strategic support.' Through strategic public procurement, it aims to support the achievement of national goals.

On the afternoon of the 29th, the government held the 1st Procurement Policy Deliberation Committee meeting at the Government Seoul Office, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki, to discuss the 'Mid-to-Long-Term Procurement Policy Direction (Draft)' containing these details.

First, the government plans to establish a comprehensive government-wide basic plan for promoting strategic public procurement called the 'Comprehensive Public Procurement Plan' in the second quarter of next year. This plan will include strategic allocation methods of public purchasing power to support the achievement of national tasks such as innovation and growth, protection of small and medium enterprises, realization of social values, and transition to the digital and green economy. It will also include systematic support measures for national policy goals and annual procurement plans that integrate purchasing plans and methods by each agency.

To activate innovation procurement policies, the government will discover demands for innovative technologies and products that can improve public services through the Public Demand Discovery Committee and strengthen innovation procurement incentives. Additionally, pilot projects linking major budget projects such as the Korean New Deal with innovation procurement will be identified to encourage the development and actual purchase of various innovative products.

The government will also promote a comprehensive reform of the contract system centered on three major innovation plans: supporting innovation and new industries, establishing a culture of fair contracts, and enhancing flexibility and efficiency of the contract system. To support strategic procurement, the government will seek structural and systematic improvement directions for the entire system rather than partial or fragmented improvements.

At the meeting, the designation plan for innovative products to improve public services was also discussed. A total of 345 products, finally selected through fast-track designation reviews, were approved as innovative products. Going forward, the government plans to promptly complete certification procedures such as issuing certificates for innovative products that have passed the Procurement Policy Deliberation Committee (in November) and provide follow-up support.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.