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The LGA’s Technology Innovation Showcase brought together local government leaders and cutting-edge startups to explore the power of technology in transforming local services. The team worked with the local government sector over a period of three months to co-define key challenges that could be solved by AI and smart technology, presented below. The project led to a one-day ‘Showcase’ event highlighting the potential solutions offered by vendors to solve these challenges.
Thank you to all council officers, vendors, expert panellists, and keynote speakers that enabled the Showcase to be a success. A project report will soon be available on this webpage detailing key insights and shared learnings from the Showcase for both councils and vendors. Our goal is to continue supporting and guiding the sector to adopt these new technologies securely.
Our team is available to discuss any aspects of the showcase or potential opportunities further via [email protected]
What is the LGA Technology Innovation Showcase?
There is an increasing interest across the local government sector in how artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology can be practically implemented into existing services and processes. Despite this interest, there is a need for greater support for councils to maximise the benefits of emerging and innovative technologies.
This project showcased practical AI and smart technology applications with the potential to make councils more connected, efficient, effective, personalised, and secure.
The end-goal of the project was to deliver a one-day hybrid ‘Showcase’ event where vetted vendors of AI and smart technology showcase their innovative solutions for core challenges facing English local authorities.
What is the purpose of the LGA Technology Innovation Showcase?
It can be challenging for councils to identify where AI and smart technology can have the greatest impact; where solutions are technically feasible; or where best to get started with engaging with officers across councils in England.
This project sought solutions to a range of problems facing councils and provided a deeper exploration into AI and smart technology use cases that help councils across the sector to be inspired to make progress on their AI and smart technology journeys.
This project champions a new market engagement approach that fosters competitiveness and value for money, and a shift towards challenge-led procurement. Councils could view solutions to their problems in action. We showcased the best AI and smart technology vendors that had the potential to transform councils' corporate functions service delivery, and the way they engage with residents.
What was the timescale for the project?
- Call for challenge statements: 15 August to 19 September
- Challenge definition workshop with LGA AI Network: 4 September
- Open call for AI and smart tech vendors: 30 September to 23 October
- Vendor engagement event: 9 October
- Vendor review, selection and challenge development: 23 October to 12 November
- Showcase event (hybrid): 14 November
The challenge statements
How do councils get involved?
We asked councils to submit challenge statements setting out the issues and problem areas which could be addressed by AI and smart tech solutions.
We selected a number to go on to the open call for vendors, where AI and Smart technology providers present solutions in response to the chosen challenge statements.
The selected vendors will present at the 14 November hybrid showcase event.
All officers, even if they did not submit a challenge statement, are invited to attend the Showcase. Please register to attend in person or online.
Technology Innovation Showcase FAQs for councils
How are vendors involved?
We invited innovative vendors to submit their solutions for our shortlisted challenge statements. We sought cutting-edge solutions and services that align with our three missions: to digitally enable councils, digitally empower residents, and digitally equip places that support and foster connected, healthy, and productive communities. Whether a start-up, or a medium to large established organisation, we wanted to hear from companies who are leading the way in technology innovation.
The selected vendors will present at the 14 November hybrid showcase event.
The LGA maintains vendor neutrality. This initiative aims to assist the sector with the responsible and secure implementation of AI and smart technology solutions. We encourage all eligible vendors to participate. Vendor proposals will be assessed by a panel of subject matter experts, and the most promising will be featured at our event. This event does not guarantee business for vendors or providers, nor are councils obligated to procure any presented solutions. Councils may, however, choose to commission a solution through proper procurement channels following the Showcase.
Technology Innovation Showcase FAQs for vendors
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