This project builds on "Leverandørutvikling Forsvaret 2020-2023" (Supplier Development Armed Forces 2020–2023), which was commissioned by Troms and Finnmark County Council.
The project examines how procurement regulations and the Armed Forces’ own tendering practices limit the use of local suppliers, what goods and services are purchased from local suppliers, and what this may mean for the Armed Forces’ supply security and its knowledge of, and potential involvement with, local businesses in a comprehensive preparedness effort.
A key question is whether the use of local suppliers strengthens the Armed Forces’ collaboration with civilian business actors within the broader preparedness framework, including supply security, but also cooperation between the Armed Forces and civilian authorities/companies regarding logistics infrastructure, etc. The project maps the structure of total defense in Troms and Finnmark, and investigates to what extent the Armed Forces’ use of local suppliers also enhances these suppliers’ involvement in total defense preparedness efforts. Methodologically, this will be explored through interviews with local actors and the County Governor’s office, which coordinates the civilian part of total defense at the regional level.
Furthermore, we look to Sweden and Finland to examine the Armed Forces’ use of local suppliers, their roles in total defense, and cooperation between the Armed Forces and civilian authorities—especially in Lapland in Finland and in Norrbotten in Sweden. In Sweden and Finland, it is also important to hear from local authorities and business actors about their experiences with the Armed Forces as a client.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Defence.
