Predicts 2026: Procurement Taking Steps to Become AI-First
In this research, in our view, Gartner explores:
- How procurement is evolving in an AI-first world
- Five predictions shaping agentic AI, orchestration, and supplier visibility
- What’s limiting AI adoption today and what needs to change first
- How talent, operating models, and data maturity will be redefined
Summary
Procurement is entering a period of structural change. As AI agents and orchestration engines mature, leaders are finding that legacy processes, unreliable data, and limited process visibility continue to slow progress.
This research provides Chief Procurement Officers with a better idea of what’s coming next, the strategic planning assumptions driving Gartner predictions, and the actions companies need to take now to prepare for an AI-native procurement future.
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IN THE NEWS
BLOG
5 Procurement Quick Wins To Deliver in Q1 (Before Budget Reviews)
Every year, Q1 brings the same intense pressure: show clear results before budget reviews, without the luxury of time for long-term transformations to pay off. In 2026, the pressure is greater than ever, with teams facing workload increases, declining headcount, and...
5 Procurement Quick Wins To Deliver in Q1 (Before Budget Reviews)
Every year, Q1 brings the same intense pressure: show clear results before budget reviews, without the luxury of time for long-term transformations to pay off. In 2026, the pressure is greater than ever, with teams facing workload increases, declining headcount, and...
WEBINAR
CPO Crystal Ball: Top Priorities for 2026
December 10, 20259 AM PSTSpeakersThe Hackett GroupTrinity IndustriesArkestroSummary Our CPO Crystal Ball webinar brought together industry experts to discuss what’s reshaping procurement in 2026. From rising workloads and tighter resources to shifting priorities and...
CPO Crystal Ball: Top Priorities for 2026
December 10, 20259 AM PSTSpeakersThe Hackett GroupTrinity IndustriesArkestroSummary Our CPO Crystal Ball webinar brought together industry experts to discuss what’s reshaping procurement in 2026. From rising workloads and tighter resources to shifting priorities and...
Gartner, Predicts 2026: Procurement Taking Steps to Become AI-First, Ryan Polk, Cian Curtin, Mel Mohamednur, Miguel Cossio, Lynne Phelan, Meghan O’Doherty, 12 December 2025.
Gartner, Hype Cycle for Procurement and Sourcing Solutions, 2025, Kaitlynn Sommers, Micky Keck, Lynne Phelan, Cian Curtin, Chaithanya Paradarami, Martin Shreffler, 30 June 2025.
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