Our recent roundtable discussion yielded some key takeaways surrounding procurement and innovation.

While procurement has traditionally focused on cost control and risk mitigation, these goals often overshadow opportunities to support transformative initiatives.

  • True innovation arises through understanding of the organisation’s internal challenges, not just from external supplier-driven initiatives

Procurements traditional focus on large, “safe” suppliers often results in overlooking smaller, more agile suppliers who may offer valuable innovations.

  • By simplifying governance and onboarding processes, procurement teams can more easily work with both large and small suppliers, maximising potential for innovation

The roundtable highlighted the importance of brining legal, risk and compliance functions into the innovation process early

  • By involving these areas from the start, potential barriers are proactively managed, creating a more collaborative environment for innovation to flourish

Common procurement KPIs – such as cost savings, compliance and efficiency – do not always capture the function’s contribution to strategic initiatives.

  • Focusing on ultimate business outcomes enables procurement to align its goals with the organisation’s innovation agenda, moving beyond cost-focused metrics toward those that measure contribution to strategic growth

For procurement to support innovation, teams need stronger skills in stakeholder engagement, customer insights, and influence – qualities not always prioritised in the field.

  • Building a team with these “soft skills” allows procurement to better understand internal needs, identify valuable innovation opportunities and foster relationships with other business functions.

What’s Next?

Procurement’s role is evolving from a cost-centric function to a proactive, business-aligned partner that supports innovation. 4C Associates has extensive experience in helping procurement teams realise their potential. Contact Allison Ford-Langstaff to learn more about what we can offer your business.