For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), winning work with larger organisations can open the door to new markets, larger programmes and opportunities to scale. But getting there is not always straightforward.
CGI’s latest research, The partnership imperative: How an ecosystem approach accelerates digital evolution in UK Government, explores how organisations are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships and wider ecosystems to address growing complexity, skills shortages and the pace of digital change. The research is based on responses from 500 senior decision-makers across the UK, including 192 respondents affiliated with central government.
One of the clearest messages is that organisations are looking for ways to work with multiple specialist providers without creating additional complexity.
In the public sector, 97% of respondents said the difficulty of managing multiple suppliers influences their decision to work with a prime partner, while 85% expect their reliance on external technology partnerships to increase over the next two to three years. At the same time, 94% say external partnerships are essential to keeping pace with technology innovation.
For SMEs, this creates an interesting opportunity.
A structured ecosystem can give specialist businesses access to opportunities, capabilities and larger transformation programmes that may be difficult to reach independently. The research also highlights the complementary strengths that different organisations can bring: larger partners can provide scale, governance and reach, while SMEs can contribute specialist expertise, innovation and agility.
But successful partnerships are about more than simply bringing organisations together. Trust, communication and shared goals matter.
Half of public sector respondents identified commitment to shared goals and partnership values as a key selection factor, while 45% highlighted the ability to build trust through open and honest communication. Stability, track record and evidence of capability also remain important when organisations are choosing partners.
The report points towards a model where ecosystems become more than supply chains: they become a way of combining different strengths around a shared outcome. For SMEs, that can mean opportunities to build relationships, showcase expertise and grow alongside larger organisations.
That is exactly the conversation we want to continue at Leeds Digital Festival 2026.
Our upcoming SMEs growing together event in Leeds will bring together SMEs, public sector organisations and industry partners to explore how stronger relationships and better-connected ecosystems can create opportunities for collaboration and growth. The session will include SME experiences of working with larger organisations, alongside a panel discussion focused on supporting SMEs and strengthening regional business networks.
Read the full report, and join us in Leeds to explore how SMEs, larger organisations and the public sector can grow together.
Register now — Join CGI at Leeds Digital Festival 2026
As Headline Sponsor of Leeds Digital Festival 2026, CGI is excited to launch a series of events throughout the programme. We’re shining a light on the projects, partnerships and people trailblazing in Leeds.
