Analyst Market Briefings

The New Rules of Government Technology Buying: What Leaders Need From Vendors on AI, Productivity, and Control

9 July, 2026 Analyst Market Briefings ADAPT’s Analyst Market Briefing explored how government buyers now prioritise AI readiness, productivity, control, and delivery credibility.

ADAPT’s latest Government Edge research reflects the views of senior public sector technology leaders across federal, state, and broader government environments, as budgets are reprioritised, procurement becomes more selective, and agencies face growing pressure to deliver more with greater control, resilience, and accountability.

The conversation is becoming more immediate and pragmatic for leaders in the public sector: where investment can still be defended, which initiatives are most likely to move ahead, and what needs to be in place before broader ambitions can scale. Interest in AI remains high, but most agencies appear to be approaching it through the lens of productivity, governance, and control rather than experimentation alone.

The same is true of modernisation. Many leaders see legacy constraints, workflow complexity, data-sharing limitations, and operating model gaps as the factors that will shape how far agencies can progress on AI, resilience, and service improvement.

For providers, it is no longer enough to lead with capability, innovation, or transformation ambition in abstract terms. Government agencies are looking beyond capability-led messaging towards partners who understand delivery realities, can support readiness as well as ambition, and can connect technology decisions to practical public sector outcomes.

How should you adapt your messaging, proof points, and market approach to stay aligned with the priorities shaping government technology buying today?

Watch the replay now.

Anthony Saba Managing Director, Transformation Services

Anthony leads the growth, strategy, and delivery of ADAPT’s Transformation Services and Go-to-Market Services Business Units. He is driven by a core... More

Anthony leads the growth, strategy, and delivery of ADAPT’s Transformation Services and Go-to-Market Services Business Units.

He is driven by a core belief that we are experiencing a modern industrial revolution, one that will fundamentally reshape how business is done and pose serious challenges to the future of many Australian organisations and industries.

In this environment, success will not necessarily favour incumbents, or those with the deepest pockets or broadest resources, but rather organisations who are most able to ADAPT quickly and effectively to the evolving needs of their customers, employees and ecosystems.

With this belief, ADAPT is evolving into a critical platform that Australia’s enterprise leaders, local solution providers, and trusted advisors can rely on to succeed over the next decade.

By removing barriers, democratising access to proven expertise, promoting local ANZ innovation, and enabling rapid, meaningful connections between leaders and experts, ADAPT is committed to helping Australia not just survive, but thrive in the complex and uncertain times ahead.

Matt Boon Senior Research Director at ADAPT

Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of... More

Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of C-suite leaders to discuss and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they face.

For over 30 years, including 18 in senior leadership roles at Gartner, Matt has been a sought after and highly respected authority on the local and global IT landscape.

ADAPT hosts numerous industry-leading business and technology events, which Matt chairs, that deliver unique ADAPT research positions, and advises executives across the end-user and technology provider landscape to make informed IT decisions.

When he is not working, Matt enjoys walking the many trails of the NSW Southern Highlands, travelling and listening to music. He is also partial to a good steak and nice glass of red wine.