In this interview with the GovTech Connect team, we explore the various initiatives under the GovTech Connect project and discuss how it benefits from the Interoperable Europe Portal. Read the interview to understand the project's key goals, activities and its impact on the GovTech ecosystem.

GovTech Connect is a cross-border project, created under DG CONNECT of the European Commission, that encompasses a variety of initiatives convening and mobilising the GovTech innovation ecosystem. It aims at bringing together SMEs, public and private GovTech gamechangers, investors, civil society, academia and NGOs to exchange information and create solutions with lasting impact. The Project kicked off in January 2023 and will end in December 2024.

The GovTech Connect pilot project is part of a widespread array of initiatives supported by the European Commission, exploring how governments are harnessing administrations latest technologies. 

Specifically, GovTech Connect consists in a wide range of activities, including:

• The study of GovTech market trends in Europe and the implementation of a catalogue of European GovTech initiatives;

• The launch of four  European Boot camps to best prepare GovTech start-ups for collaboration with the public sector;

• The set up and management of the GovTech Connect Collection on the Interoperable Europe Portal (with +340 members);

• The implementation of Design thinking methodology and stakeholder engagement for GovTech solutions development;

• The organization of webinars, workshops and other events are occasions for networking and knowledge sharing, as well as a dedicated LinkedIn page (with +2400 followers).

The activities are carried out by a consortium led by Intellera Consulting, with partners PUBLIC, Lisbon Council and Politecnico di Milano. The Consortium partners have extensive experience in innovative procurement, digital innovation hubs, emerging technologies and a strong track-record of successful projects carried out for the EU Institutions, in the field of digital technologies applied to innovation and technology and, in particular, to the public e-services, including the role of private companies in this process.

We have created, and we are managing the GovTech Connect Collection, a dedicated space for the GovTech Connect community. This Collection is regularly updated with the latest project developments and offers a vast array of resources. It serves as an interactive platform where members can share their knowledge, innovative solutions and best practices, fostering collective growth.

In the Collection, we regularly publish content such as the results of our Project studies, news, event updates, and materials from other communities. Key features include an interactive map showcasing GovTech initiatives across Europe, Design Thinking Tools for Stakeholder Engagement, and a section dedicated to Boot camps, which provides information on participating startups, useful resources, and much more.

First of all, having a dedicated community space ensures that updates and resources are readily accessible for all community members. Moreover, it is useful to have a central destination for everyone interested in the project, where they can discover more about the project and access all the information they need.

Being part of the Interoperable Europe Portal has enabled us to engage with a broad, international audience, including key GovTech stakeholders across Europe. This exposure not only helps us highlight our project's activities, but also provides opportunities for the startups we collaborate with through Boot camps to showcase their solutions.

Additionally, navigating similar and interesting Collections on the Portal allows us to be informed about the latest events, news and trends within the European GovTech marketplace. This ensures that the Project Team remains current and up to date. 

We encourage all users to actively engage with the GovTech Connect Collection and explore the wealth of resources and opportunities it offers. Since our goal is to foster a community, it would be fantastic if the platform allowed for networking and connections among users. For example, adding features such as more detailed personal profiles with contact information or the ability to send messages within the platform could significantly improve collaboration.

We also invite everyone to contribute their insights, experiences, and knowledge to the Collection — your participation is essential to its success!

We hope you enjoyed reading this interview. For more information, visit the GovTech Connect space on the Portal.