CCM benchmark public sector insights

With data from 18 countries, this report reveals similarities and differences in the paths being pursued by Governments and public sector agencies in their approaches to contract management. 

There are common themes and drivers, such as the pressure on defense spending, the demands on public health services and the focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), yet the political response to these is not always the same and therefore leads to different priorities.

There are also wide variations in the perceived importance and role of contract management resources and skills, leading to inconsistent approaches to organization and measurement. In jurisdictions such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the Federal and central government focus and investment in building commercial and contracting capabilities is extensive. In many European countries and within local government, dedicated resources and training are often notable by their absence.

An issue common to most is the difficulty they face in responding to change. Volatile and uncertain markets, along with game-changing technologies, demand an adaptive approach to market relationships, contracts and the outcomes they provide. The rules and regulations that surround public procurement often frustrate this adaptability: there is a clear and urgent need for a fresh approach that enables more flexible and dynamic contract management.