Unlocking Nordic Public Procurement: A Gateway for Irish Innovation

When thinking about international growth, many companies tend to focus on private sector opportunities. However, the public sector, especially across the Nordic region, offers a compelling and often underexplored pathway for expansion. Public procurement in the Nordics is a significant economic driver, with combined annual spending exceeding €300 billion. Furthermore, procurement processes demand innovation and sustainability, areas where Irish companies naturally excel.

The Nordic countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, share strong commitments to digitalisation, transparency, and climate goals. These values are deeply embedded in how public organisations plan and purchase services. For Irish firms, this presents an opportunity to engage with a marketplace that values quality, long-term thinking, and solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability.

Across the region, governments are investing in areas such as green infrastructure, digital health, and smart urban planning. Public procurement is seen not as a mere transactional function but as a strategic tool to shape future-ready societies. This open and forward-thinking culture makes the region particularly attractive for international suppliers who can offer value beyond price, including innovation, adaptability, and partnership.

Irish Success in the Nordic Public Sector

Irish companies are already proving that they can meet and exceed these expectations. These include Strata, a construction technology company founded by Enda Grimes. The company first entered the Nordic market through Grimes’s work on Sweden’s European Spallation Source project, a large-scale scientific infrastructure initiative. Observing inefficiencies in conventional construction workflows, Strata developed digital planning and reporting tools that improve scheduling and risk management. Since then, Strata has contributed to public infrastructure projects across the region, including the Stockholm metro expansion. The company’s tools are particularly well-suited to public contracts that demand transparency, accountability, and digital integration.

Another success story is SoftCo, an Irish software company that was awarded a contract by the Finnish Government to overhaul its procure-to-pay processes across all departments. This initiative, part of Finland’s broader 'Handi' digitalisation programme, aimed to increase automation and reduce operational costs. By 2020, Softco’s solution had been deployed to over 70 government departments, achieving significant outcomes including an 80 percent reduction in invoice processing costs. Agencies like the National Land Survey of Finland cut costs from over €4 to less than €1 per invoice, demonstrating the transformative impact of Irish innovation within public frameworks.

Also making an impact is Multihog, a Dundalk-based manufacturer of multi-purpose vehicles for municipal and airport maintenance. Their equipment is now used across several Nordic cities for tasks like snow clearance and street sweeping. Through strong relationships with regional distributors, Multihog has secured contracts with public entities in Sweden, including sales to Swedavia, which operates major Swedish airports. Recent deals in Denmark also point to growing demand for robust, year-round municipal vehicles that support efficient and sustainable operations.

These examples highlight a broader trend: Nordic public bodies are not only open to new suppliers — they are actively looking for them. Irish companies that understand the local procurement processes, invest in building networks, and tailor their solutions to regional needs are finding strong traction. The Nordic countries rank among the best globally for transparency, rule of law, and ease of doing business. EU procurement rules apply, and tenders are often published in English, further lowering barriers to entry.

To succeed, companies must combine technical capability with cultural awareness and a commitment to long-term partnership. Enterprise Ireland continues to support Irish firms in navigating these markets by providing market intelligence, local introductions, and in-market representation.

As climate targets tighten and digital transformation accelerates, the Nordic public sector will continue to seek new ideas and international partnerships. For Irish companies ready to think globally, this region offers not only opportunity — but real potential to lead.