Understanding the Public Services Industy

Public Services Industry Review
education and transport and many of their governments are increasingly able to afford
such improvements. The experience of the UK government and UK firms is often sought
as countries develop their policies toward public service provision and their domestic
capabilities to partner with others in bidding for and supplying them. This has put the UK
PSI in a strong position to exploit overseas opportunities.
There is significant export potential in this growth industry. Encouraging and assisting UK
firms to make the most of these opportunities will generate substantial benefits not only
for UK firms but also for the UK economy. The Review concludes that the best way that
government can support the PSI abroad is through maintaining a competitive framework for
public services which fosters a dynamic and thriving PSI in the UK. In addition, a larger and
carefully targeted marketing effort through existing channels would help to open doors for
the PSI and accelerate its entry into new markets.
Recommendation 7: Raising the profile of the PSI
Government and industry should work together to raise the profile of the PSI domestically
and promote its export potential through UKTI.
- Trade missions should be mounted to key export markets promoting the success of the
UK PSI in supporting and delivering public services.
- Industry should make full use of UKTI’s network of contacts and information through
UK Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions, especially in emerging market
countries, to identify possible partners or clients for UK PSI.
This Review has attempted to provide some definitive answers to questions about the size
and effectiveness of the Public Services Industry in the UK. It has also sought evidence on
the factors that have helped and hindered its development, as well as those areas where
policy change could make it more effective.
Further work will be necessary to shape specific plans to address the general
recommendations provided. There is a clear case for action to reverse recent trends that
have slowed its growth. The UK has been at the forefront of innovation in the development
of its Public Services Industry. It is time to build on that foundation and use the PSI not only
to save the taxpayer money, but also to spur the drive towards world-class, personalised
public services for all.
Recommendation 8: Next steps
Government needs a co-ordinated plan of action to take the recommendations of this
Review forward and ensure that progress is made. Equally the PSI needs to make the best
use of the opportunities available to it for further engagement.
- The Advisory Panel for this Review – which includes government, unions, private
and third sector organisations - should be retained in some form, meeting regularly
to review progress, provide feedback to the government’s response and identify new
issues as they arise.
- The private and third sectors should make more use of feedback mechanisms already
open to them; both directly to public sector clients and indirectly though the OGC.
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