Amazon Business commissioned Economist Impact to conduct a global research program to assess skills gaps within procurement teams, identify critical competencies needed to meet future needs, and explore ways to develop these key skills for procurement.

Economist Impact surveyed more than 900 procurement decision-makers and senior leaders across 9 countries and 7 industries, and found these key takeaways:

• The future of procurement skills lies in sustainability and innovation.
• Gains from AI are already here, strengthening procurement capacity.
• The gap between current skills and future needs is wide.
• There is a disconnect between leadership and junior employees that could hinder procurement effectiveness.
• Strategic success depends on balancing in-house capabilities with external expertise.