Unlocking the Potential of Technology Enabled Care: What the Latest Government Report Tells Us

0​6 June 2025

A new report from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, titled 'Government's relationship with digital technology suppliers' has highlighted significant challenges - and major opportunities - in the UK government’s use of digital technology suppliers. While the report focuses broadly on digital procurement and capability, its findings have important implications for the future of technology enabled care.

With public services increasingly reliant on connected, data-driven care models, reforming the way digital solutions are procured and deployed will be critical. Below, we explore three key takeaways from the report and what they mean for the TEC sector.

1. Modernising Procurement to Unlock Innovation in Care

The report reveals that while the government spends over £14 billion a year on digital procurement, existing processes are too rigid and outdated to support fast-moving technologies - precisely the kind that underpin modern TEC solutions.

From AI-driven monitoring to cloud-based care platforms, innovative TEC services often struggle to gain traction through traditional procurement channels. Reforming these systems is essential if health and social care providers are to fully harness the potential of new care technologies at scale.

2. Building Digital Expertise to Support Better Care Outcomes

Another key finding is the critical shortage of digital skills across government departments, with just 15 experts overseeing major technical suppliers. This lack of digital literacy makes it harder to procure, deploy and manage complex TEC systems effectively.

For technology enabled care to truly transform frontline services, public bodies must invest in developing the expertise needed to understand and leverage these tools - ensuring they are used to their fullest potential for patients and service users.

3. A Growing Opportunity for TEC Providers

Encouragingly, the creation of a new Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence signals that government is starting to take digital transformation more seriously. This presents a clear opportunity for TEC providers to position themselves as trusted partners in this journey.

By showcasing how their solutions can deliver improved outcomes and greater efficiency across care services, TEC companies can play a leading role in shaping the future of digitally-enabled health and social care.

Conclusion: Turning Insight into Action

The Public Accounts Committee’s report makes it clear that the UK’s digital infrastructure - and the way it engages with suppliers - needs urgent attention. But for the technology enabled care sector, this isn’t just a challenge - it’s a moment of opportunity.

By aligning with the government’s renewed focus on digital reform and demonstrating the real-world impact of TEC solutions, the sector can help drive a new era of smarter, more responsive care. Now is the time for TEC providers, policymakers and commissioners to work together - removing barriers, building digital capability, and ensuring that innovative care technologies become the foundation of future service delivery.