Councils are increasingly looking to private sector partners to deliver their digital transformation agenda but the failure rate of technology partnerships remains high. Fundamental to success is a clear understanding between the parties as to aspirations and expectations. In our view failure of such arrangements is often because both sides have focused on their internal stakeholders to the detriment of understanding what really matters to those on the other side of the table. Effective governance arrangements are critical. Another key factor which has led to failure is the lack of capacity, skills and experience on the client side to manage the partner or supplier. This needs to be recognized and addressed.

These and other factors will need to be carefully considered at the outset.