Date: 6 May
Time: 13:00–16:00
Location: Fjársýslan (Katrínartún 6, Dynjandi)

The agenda for NHO26 is in development but this year's theme will be comprehensive reform in public administration — with a focus on how institutions can deploy procurement and operational improvements to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in services for citizens and businesses.

Institutions face demand for spending restraint while need for strong and reliable public services has never been greater. In 2024, the government’s annual spending on goods and services amounted to approximately ISK 530 billion, corresponding to around 11–12% of Iceland’s GDP. Therefore, there's a real opportunity in syncing public sector bargaining power to secure better terms and generate greater overall value in operations through innovative approaches.

NHO26 will address this situation, examine practical pathways institutions can take to meet these challenges, and discuss what changes in mindset and approach are needed to seize the opportunities ahead.

Limited seating available.

Please register here!

Agenda

Moderator welcoming remarks

Ingþór Karl Eiríksson, Director General of Fjársýslan

Opening address

Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs

Keynote: Turning societal challenges into targeted reform

Hessel van Oorschot, Head of SiR Intergov

Hessel will discuss the Dutch government's experience in translating societal challenges into targeted improvement projects — including through strategic procurement. He will also address how Dynamic Purchasing Systems and strong public-market relationships can accelerate the development of solutions and lead to genuine improvements in services to society.

Teaching an old dog new tricks

Sigurjón Einar Þráinsson, Head of the Reform and Development Division, Fjársýslan

Orrinn, the state's financial and human resource management system, is learning new capabilities. Sigurjón will outline how Fjársýslan's reform initiative enables institutions to leverage fintech card payment solutions for the digitalization and automation of transaction management and bookkeeping — allowing institutions to generate operational efficiencies through innovation procurement.

Coffee break

From research and development to efficiency and progress

Anna Sigga Islind, Professor at Reykjavík University

Anna Sigga's R&D work has contributed to solving known challenges in the welfare and healthcare system — yet experience shows that even successful outcomes can come to nothing once research funding runs out. Her story sheds light on the opportunities inherent in greater public sector involvement throughout the process, and the role procurement can play in translating positive research findings into improvements in public operations.

Presentation of the Public Innovation Awards 2026

Reception and networking