Realities Shaping Procurement & Supply Chain in 2026

Procurement and supply chain teams have a powerful ally in AI. Inflation has eased. Oil prices aren’t rattling economies. 

Things should feel easier. But they don’t.

Shifting policies and tariffs keep teams on their toes. Cost remains a priority. But it has to be balanced with resilience, agility, and climate goals. While the regulatory whiplash only cracks louder.

Automation, intelligence, and agentic AI can take a huge load off, but organizations need the right governance and a workforce ready to partner with their new digital teammates.

GEP Outlook 2026 explores these dynamics and gives leaders the strategic clarity they need to navigate an increasingly fragmented, yet deeply interconnected, world.