Technology Innovation Showcase

This project will work with the local government sector to identify the challenges they face that could be solved by AI and smart technology, leading to a one-day ‘Showcase’ event highlighting the potential solutions offered by vendors to solve these challenges.

The call for challenge statements from councils has now closed.

We will review the statements received, and councils can continue to book in time with the team to discuss how you can still be involved in the project. The call for vendors will open on 30 September.

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 will showcase 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 is 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 will seek solutions to a range of problems facing councils and will provide a deeper exploration into AI and smart technology use cases that will 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 will be able to view solutions to their problems in action. We will showcase the best AI and smart technology vendors that have the potential to transform councils' corporate functions service delivery, and the way they engage with residents.

What is 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: 23 September to 11 October
Vendor engagement event: 2 October
Vendor review, selection and challenge development: 14 October to 8 November
Showcase event (hybrid): 14 November

How can councils get involved?

We are currently looking for councils to submit challenge statements setting out the issues and problem areas which could be addressed by AI and smart tech solutions.

To participate and submit a challenge statement of behalf of your council, or a group of councils, fill out this form by 19 September.

Once the call for challenges has closed, we will select a number to go on to the open call for vendors, where AI and Smart technology providers will present solutions in response to the chosen challenge statements.

If you are keen to get involved but would like to learn more you can book an initial informal chat with the project team to discuss the problem(s) you are focused on, how you have tried to solve it in the past and how this could be made into a challenge statement.

Why should councils get involved?

By submitting a challenge statement and getting involved in the Technology Innovation Showcase, councils will have the opportunity to learn more about how AI and smart technology solutions can be adopted to solve persistent challenges in the services that councils provide.

As well as bringing together councils which are tackling the same challenges, the showcase gives a unique insight into the technology market landscape and will support councils to identify the features of an effective technology vendor and how they can work with them in the future.