1、1Global State of Procurement&Supply 2026TIME TO LEADGlobal State of Procurement&Supply 2026TIME TO LEAD2ForewordA DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE PROFESSIONHaving worked with procurement and supply chain leaders in several sectors,I know the value they bring.They understand real market dynamics.Tuned in to
2、the supplier ecosystem,they pick up commercial and risk signals early.When crises hit,they bring calmness and rationality.In a world wrestling with multiple shocks and crises,the perspectives of the CEO and the procurement and supply chain leader are increasingly aligned.Fundamentally,both have a re
3、sponsibility for resilience and competitiveness.This coming together is reflected in this years CIPS Global State of Procurement&Supply Survey findings.The C-suite understands the significance of procurement and supply chain insight,and is bringing this perspective closer to decision-making and stra
4、tegy.This trend is particularly noticeable in smaller and growth-minded organisations.In environmental,social and governance(ESG)considerations,this years survey also shows procurement and supply taking a leading role.There has been a lot of recent debate about the future of ESG,but our findings sug
5、gest that it is being integrated into mainstream business and often run by procurement.There are signs that the early excitement around AI may be starting to settle,and that procurement and supply chain leaders are now focused on developing solid foundations.AI will certainly still have profound con
6、sequences for the profession.It may reduce the number of people required to perform tasks,but it will elevate those who derive insight from the data.This years findings are positive but also nuanced.Yes,procurement and supply chain leaders manage and influence a vast spend(circa$32bn among this year