Presentation
E-procurement in Austria: A View at the Future

Mr. Christoph Raber
Division for Innovation and Technology Policy, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Labour, Austria

In Austria, discussion about e-procurement is still running and the present situation is in a state of transition. Austria has three tiers of government: the federal government, the nine state governments, and the municipal administrations. All of these authorities are responsible for procurement within their particular jurisdictions.

Procurement in Austria is a complex process and lacks some transparency. Last year, a working group proposed some changes to public procurement, aimed at increasing transparency, competition and providing a universal e-government solution. A public procurement system must harmonize public and private processes. The integration of a number of diverse interests must be successfully achieved.

The e-Austria Taskforce has decided to start a universal e-government solution, which includes an Internet platform, in addition to the reorganization of public services. The Internet platform is expected to offer portal assistance for citizens and business, in addition to offering documentation to suppliers.