Procurement’s role to drive innovation, resilience and sustainability continues to evolve

Amazon Business’s 2025 State of Procurement Report reveals how procurement is shaping cost-cutting to become a strategic force for growth

Subscriber: Log Out

Procurement is no longer just a back-office function focused on cutting costs. The “2025 State of Procurement Data” report by Amazon Business reveals that procurement has become a strategic driver of innovation, resilience, and growth. The study surveyed nearly 3,500 global procurement leaders across eight regions and nine industries to capture insights on how the function is evolving to meet modern challenges.

“Procurement is now about driving growth, not just saving costs,” said Shelley Salomon, vice president of Amazon Business. The report highlights that procurement teams are not only addressing traditional issues like efficiency and supplier relationships, but also leading efforts in digital transformation, sustainability, and socially responsible purchasing (SRP).

Key trends

The survey identified several pressing challenges and priorities:

  • Supply chain disruptions and inflation: A third of respondents identified supply chain disruptions and inflation as major risks for 2025. These issues, along with new regulations, continue to challenge procurement teams as they strive to build resilient supply chains.
  • Digital transformation and cybersecurity: Sixty-four percent of decision-makers and 69% of senior leaders prioritize building resilient and agile supply chains, with technology playing a critical role. However, cybersecurity threats and difficulties integrating new systems remain significant concerns. “Technology is revolutionizing procurement, providing greater efficiency, transparency, and cost savings,” noted Brenda Spoonemore, Vice President of Commercial and Public Sectors at Amazon Business.
  • Supplier relationships: Strong supplier partnerships are crucial, with many procurement teams outsourcing strategic activities. However, unmet expectations around suppliers’ digital capabilities and clear communication remain ongoing hurdles.
  • Sustainability and SRP: Responsible purchasing is a key focus, with 99% of organizations setting ESG goals. Sustainability is a top priority for 62% of decision-makers and 67% of senior leaders, underscoring procurement’s role in fostering socially responsible practices.

Despite these advances, only 45% of procurement leaders feel their value is fully appreciated within their organizations. Similarly, just 46% of decision-makers believe procurement is included in top-level strategic discussions, highlighting a gap in recognition that could unlock further value.


For more on Amazon’s “2025 State of Procurement Data” report, including what the future of procurement looks like, read: How procurement is transforming business in 2025 and beyond.

 

SC
MR

The 2025 State of Procurement Report by Amazon Business demonstrates how procurement can help innovation, resilience, and sustainability, even as just 46% of leaders believe procurement is included in top-level discussions.
(Photo: Getty Images)
The 2025 State of Procurement Report by Amazon Business demonstrates how procurement can help innovation, resilience, and sustainability, even as just 46% of leaders believe procurement is included in top-level discussions.

Subscribe

Supply Chain Management Review delivers the best industry content.
Subscribe today and get full access to all of Supply Chain Management Review’s exclusive content, email newsletters, premium resources and in-depth, comprehensive feature articles written by the industry's top experts on the subjects that matter most to supply chain professionals.
×

Search

Search

Sourcing & Procurement

Inventory Management Risk Management Global Trade Ports & Shipping

Business Management

Supply Chain TMS WMS 3PL Government & Regulation Sustainability Finance

Software & Technology

Artificial Intelligence Automation Cloud IoT Robotics Software

The Academy

Executive Education Associations Institutions Universities & Colleges

Resources

Podcasts Webinars Companies Visionaries White Papers Special Reports Premiums Magazine Archive

Subscribe

SCMR Magazine Newsletters Magazine Archives Customer Service

Press Releases

Press Releases Submit Press Release