StartOff

SRL 6 - solution(s) demonstrated in relevant environment and in co‐operation with relevant stakeholders to gain initial feedback on potential impact

StartOff

Enabling the public sector to describe the problem they need solved, not requiring them to pre-define the solution.

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

CONDENSED CASE STUDY

IMPACT

ENVIRONMENTAL:

ECONOMIC: Increased competitivenessIncreased Financial CapitalIncreased value creationJob creationNew marketsStimulating innovation

SOCIAL: Increased access to services/productsIncreased inclusion

MODEL

SCALE: National

LOCATION CONTEXT: not applicable

STATUS: limited timeframe pilot/project

FUTURE POTENTIAL: Replicable

FACETProcurement, Waste Management

LEVEL: Macro - Cities, Regions, Nations

STAKEHOLDERS: Knowledge Sector, Private Sector, Public Sector

BUSINESS MODEL: G2B - Government to Business

SOCIETAL READINESS LEVEL:

SRL 6 - solution(s) demonstrated in relevant environment and in co‐operation with relevant stakeholders to gain initial feedback on potential impact

CYCLE PHASE

CASE STUDY MAPPING SOURCE:

NOR-OSL1

STATUS & TIMELINE

Launch	04/2020	Launch of StartOff program by DFØ, Digdir, and LUP to foster collaboration between startups and public sector entities.
First pilots	04/2021	First successful pilot projects completed, demonstrating the program's potential.
Expansion	04/2022	Expansion of the initiative with more public sector agencies joining.
Decision to conclude	09/2023	Decision to conclude the program announced in the 2024 national budget.
Wrap up	04/2024	Final four projects completed and program officially concluded.

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: StartOff

CONCEPT: Enabling the public sector to describe the problem they need solved, not requiring them to pre-define the solution.

StartOff was a groundbreaking initiative launched in Norway in 2020 to bridge the gap between the innovative potential of startups and the needs of public sector organisations. The program aimed to solve public sector challenges through innovative procurement processes, encouraging the development of sustainable and circular solutions.

The Problem:

The public sector often faces challenges in adopting innovative solutions due to rigid procurement frameworks, limited collaboration with startups, and a lack of mechanisms to foster circular economy principles. This creates a gap in addressing societal challenges like waste management, resource inefficiency, and the need for sustainable development.

Challenges Faced:

Regulatory Barriers: Public procurement laws are often inflexible, making it difficult to engage startups.
Risk Aversion: Public sector entities are hesitant to adopt untested solutions.
Resource Constraints: Startups often lack the financial stability and resources to engage in lengthy procurement processes.

The Solution:

StartOff introduced a streamlined and innovative procurement methodology tailored for startups. The process involved:

Identifying Public Sector Needs: Collaborating with public entities to define specific challenges.
Engaging Startups: Launching competitions to invite startups to propose innovative solutions.
Developing MVPs: Providing funding and support for startups to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) within six months.
Scaling Solutions: Encouraging the adoption of successful solutions through further procurement or commercialisation.

The program emphasized circular economy principles, promoting solutions that reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and prioritize sustainability.

Impact:

During its four-year tenure, StartOff facilitated 21 projects, addressing various challenges across sectors such as waste management, logistics, and digital transformation. The initiative not only empowered startups but also demonstrated the potential of innovative procurement in achieving sustainability goals.

LOCAL LANGUAGE DESCRIPTION: Norsk

StartOff var et banebrytende initiativ lansert i Norge i 2020 for å bygge bro mellom oppstartsselskapers innovasjonsevne og offentlige sektorers behov. Programmet løste utfordringer innen offentlig sektor gjennom innovative anskaffelsesprosesser, og fremmet utviklingen av bærekraftige og sirkulære løsninger.

Problemet:
Offentlig sektor møter ofte utfordringer med å ta i bruk innovative løsninger på grunn av rigide anskaffelsesregler og begrenset samarbeid med oppstartsselskaper. Dette skaper et gap i å håndtere samfunnsutfordringer som avfallshåndtering og ressursineffektivitet.

Løsningen:
StartOff introduserte en smidig anskaffelsesmetodikk for oppstartsselskaper og muliggjorde utvikling av MVP-er innen seks måneder. Programmet la vekt på sirkulærøkonomi og bærekraftige løsninger.

ORGANISATION / PARTNERS

Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ)