Webinar recording: Starting signal 2026 – Which topics will dominate Procurement year?

2026 marks a turning point for industrial Procurement. Global trade structures are undergoing permanent change, geopolitical interventions are becoming the new normal, and technological developments are noticeably accelerating decision-making cycles. Procurement no longer just Procurement with the task of controlling costs, but also with actively shaping stability, transparency, and competitiveness.

In the webinar "Starting signal 2026 – Which topics will dominate Procurement year?", Erik Esly (Managing Partner, ErikEsly Advisory & Consulting), Hans Boot (Partner, Durch Denken Vorne Consult), and Lucas Trümpler (Tacto) discuss which developments will shape purchasing organizations in the coming years – and where there is now a concrete need for action.

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The changing role of purchasing

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While operational activities have long been the focus, Procurement is Procurement becoming a strategic value contributor. Quality assurance, innovation, risk management, and EBITDA impact are becoming more important. This is also changing the requirements for purchasing organizations. Analytical skills, technical understanding, strong communication skills, and confident handling of data and AI are becoming key competencies. Procurement not only evaluate data, but also understand correlations and make them usable for strategic decisions.

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Framework conditions for 2026: Geopolitics becomes structural

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Erik Esly assesses global developments in recent years and makes it clear that geopolitical risks are not a temporary phenomenon. Trade conflicts, tariffs, export controls, and energy dependencies have a lasting impact on supply chains and cost structures. Optimizing purely on the basis of costs is no longer sufficient today. Modern procurement strategies can no longer do without resilience, diversification, and forward-looking scenario planning. Nearshoring, new markets such as India or the ASEAN region, and the geopolitical assessment of supply chains are becoming increasingly important.

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Where Procurement must Procurement start

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Based on these developments, the speakers outlined key areas for action:

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• Data as a foundation: Without transparent and reliable data, strategic management is impossible. Data forms the basis for everything—from product group strategy to risk analysis.
• Redefining value contribution: Traditional negotiations and cost engineering remain important, but are increasingly being supplemented by data-driven analyses and precise benchmarks.
• Promoting networking: Procurement down silos. It works more closely with departments such as development, production, and finance, becoming the central coordinator of the value chain.
• AI as an assistant: Artificial intelligence takes the pressure off the team in day-to-day operations. It prepares data and provides valuable insights to help make informed decisions faster.

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AI in Procurement: pragmatic rather than visionary

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An important point of discussion is taking a realistic view of AI. Instead of big promises for the future, the focus is on specific areas of application that will have an impact in the short term: analysis of procurement data, preparation of KPIs, maintenance of master data, automated checks, or support for product group strategies.

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Conclusion

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The webinar makes it clear that 2026 will be characterized less by individual trends than by the ability to adapt. Purchasing organizations that systematically use data, strategically develop their role, and make targeted use of technological support will gain clear advantages.

Erik Esly, Hans Boot, and Lucas Trümpler demonstrate how Procurement can reposition itself Procurement geopolitical pressure, technological development, and growing responsibility—and why now is the right time to set the course for the coming years.