The technology sector has compiled a framework for government to use to create greater economic impact.

techNL says a large share of the provincial government’s current technology spending is directed to partners outside the province and country.

Johanna Brown, the chair of techNL, says members have told them for years that lengthy procurement processes are holding them back.

The tech sector, which Brown says contributes more than $1.8-billion annually to the provincial economy, has grown by 24 per cent the past seven or eight years but aligning its contracts with companies in this province would accelerate that says the umbrella group.

The framework recommends measures such as government and its agencies and boards becoming an early customer for technology companies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

First and foremost, they need more and clearer data on where government tech spending currently goes.