--- title: AI a strategic revolution in contracting description: Businesses lose 8.6% of contract value due to inefficiencies. AI-powered contract management mitigates this loss by shifting from transactional oversight to a strategic discipline aligned with commercial goals. image: https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/AI-strategic-revolution-in-contracting-cover.jpg --- # World Commerce & Contracting [![WorldCC-logo-white-hrz](https://info.worldcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WorldCC-logo-white-hrz.png?width=244&height=50&name=WorldCC-logo-white-hrz.png "WorldCC-logo-white-hrz")](https://www.worldcc.com/) # AI: a strategic revolution in contracting [![Already a member? Access the report here](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23488298/interactive-188902767676.png)](https://info.worldcc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJcf9eVs2b%2FCltYKt6F2DkSWmMX%2BtmXrWUqWlfK5%2FL2h0DyDdtF24jY5WfcAYU9f0swpieS5J%2FMhM0uAVaaGr%2BEt5l6VbOw2kihLoIIfkj1cCQnMqvaFlWhtyyJ1kT8u6O%2FKKztr3kN3RcelSeVaKNh7jLInCN05lWmMlwIdmGaMWx6qckkfRZq5CdGkaZCDfcefitatYApJvDSH%2FpuSUPSNd1nLnKfBFJANjBxt4%2B8iLxlSIo6g4oKsxq780OZ23fbx%2BLM8IRx%2FSDddx4VBQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188902767676&portalId=23488298&hsLang=en) In partnership with ![logo-accenture](https://info.worldcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-accenture.png?width=2000&height=527&name=logo-accenture.png "logo-accenture") ![CCMI-logo-hrz-wht](https://info.worldcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CCMI-logo-hrz-wht.png?width=1605&height=300&name=CCMI-logo-hrz-wht.png "CCMI-logo-hrz-wht") # In brief Unlocking strategic value through contracts: Organizations lose an average 8.6% of their contract value through inefficiencies, disagreements, and risks that are poorly defined and managed. This startling statistic underscores the opportunity which comes from a transformation of contract management – a shift from transactional oversight into a strategic discipline that aligns directly with commercial goals. Until today, that shift has proved elusive. Now, by embracing AI-enabled approaches, particularly the innovative Agentic Architecture framework, businesses can mitigate value erosion, proactively identify risks and opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams. --- ![Landing page 1](https://info.worldcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20page%201.png?width=1820&height=422&name=Landing%20page%201.png "Landing page 1") ***Two related reports about AI.** This AI: a strategic revolution in contracting report explores how Agentic AI is transforming contract management's execution and perception. Our other report in the series, **[AI and the CML](https://info.worldcc.com/ai-and-the-contract-management-lifecycle?hsLang=en)**, outlines a compelling vision for the future and AI's impact on contract management's role and value.* # AI a strategic revolution in contracting [![Already a member? Access the report here](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23488298/interactive-188900552289.png)](https://info.worldcc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIjBajK3g8jso6glyrI%2BqVOHKR2a0E5K2VNh%2FdtMBTOSph1lLBCUofBCZ1rgYsjkkgwL0x%2FeYncB9sQQdcse7d2ELV4JKyVIC55%2BIUPFLxuzIPPuSY5ATjPkIL%2BQ53CJbhIeLx87BhAswX2jalrINY5TVtKZ3JK7ltv%2FrOH%2BtZBzrsAfSo3evbC1YGKwccoqdfuY2lb3nMleKFGEw4NTaXpboCXtdo6DqOYz6shTzcf9obekO8p9di6A3TpoM8P0FdiSjlgjg0Mz2rmQ8ZFkg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188900552289&portalId=23488298&hsLang=en) # Agentic Architecture Agentic Architecture represents a profound shift in how contracts are managed and leveraged. Unlike traditional contract management systems that focus on compliance and operational efficiency, this framework uses interconnected AI agents to deliver insights at a portfolio level, transforming contracts into dynamic assets that help shape commercial strategy. ![Landing page 2](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Landing%20page%202.png "Landing page 2") # From Compliance to strategy: the role of Agentic AI Traditionally, contract management has been viewed as a reactive, transactional activity. With Agentic AI, contract management becomes a critical source of business intelligence and is elevated to a strategic discipline that directly influences business outcomes. Three major factors enable this change: ##### 1. Alignment with commercial goals At their heart, the core purpose of contracts is to deliver aneconomic benefit. By linking the insights generated by AI tooverarching business objectives, organizations can ensurethat their contracts and associated practices actively driveprofitability and market competitiveness. ##### 2. Portfolio-level analysis Instead of managing contracts in isolation, AI enables businesses to evaluate collective impacts and interdependencies within and across the portfolio, optimizing terms and identifying systemic improvements and risks. ##### 3. Continuous value creation Proactive insights into risks and opportunities not only mitigate against value erosion but also generate revenue and cost-saving opportunities, placing contract management at the core of organizational resilience and agility. # Strategic value in action Agentic AI takes us beyond the benefits of increased efficiency and greater levels of compliance. We can anticipate it creating new sources of value such as prompting opportunities for renegotiation, improved pricing models, and more consistent application of cost-saving innovations. ![Landing page 3](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Landing%20page%203.png "Landing page 3") # Access the report for details of the 10 Pitfalls’ impacts, their contributions to value erosion, and potential AI solutions. [![Already a member? Access the report here](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23488298/interactive-188900552289.png)](https://info.worldcc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIjBajK3g8jso6glyrI%2BqVOHKR2a0E5K2VNh%2FdtMBTOSph1lLBCUofBCZ1rgYsjkkgwL0x%2FeYncB9sQQdcse7d2ELV4JKyVIC55%2BIUPFLxuzIPPuSY5ATjPkIL%2BQ53CJbhIeLx87BhAswX2jalrINY5TVtKZ3JK7ltv%2FrOH%2BtZBzrsAfSo3evbC1YGKwccoqdfuY2lb3nMleKFGEw4NTaXpboCXtdo6DqOYz6shTzcf9obekO8p9di6A3TpoM8P0FdiSjlgjg0Mz2rmQ8ZFkg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188900552289&portalId=23488298&hsLang=en) # Conclusion: the new era of contract management Agentic AI transforms how contract management is performed and perceived, shifting it from an administrative overhead to a measurable added-value and strategic enablement source. It similarly expands the purpose of contracts themselves, supporting a diverse set of stakeholder and user needs. By providing deeper insights, proactive risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, organizations are empowered to drive performance through their contract portfolios. This evolution places contracts and contract managers at the heart of business strategy, becoming a source of innovation, resilience, and profitability. Such a shift is long overdue, yet has until now has been frustrated by the ever-increasing complexity of contracts and the market environment. The importance of change was clearly revealed by the WorldCC study into the purpose of contracts,3 which revealed that only 39% of today’s contract managers believe that their contracts effectively support business outcomes and just 16% feel they are negotiating the right topics. These statistics are clear indicators of the potential value to be achieved. ![Landing page 4](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Landing%20page%204.png "Landing page 4") # Written by ### Tim Cummins [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cummins-62248a/) President WorldCC ![Tim Cummins - WorldCC](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Tim%20Cummins%20-%20WorldCC.jpg) Tim Cummins President WorldCC About Tim Cummins An international, cross-industry career that has moved from corporate management to extensive research, advisory and capability development services to public, private and third sector organisations. Tim has lived and worked in the UK, France (3 years), and the United States (20 years), building an impressive research and entrepreneurial record with a demonstrated commitment to delivering social benefit. As Founder and President of World Commerce & Contracting (formerly International Association for Contract & Commercial Management), Tim has built a 72,000-member worldwide non-profit association which increasingly influences commercial policies and contracting practices in major corporations and governments. In September 2019, he was presented with the Financial Times ‘Market Shaper of the Year Award. Tim was, until recently, Professor and Chair of International Commercial & Contract Management at the University of Leeds, School of Law, where he taught and led the development of inter-disciplinary commercial programs. Prior to founding World Commerce & Contracting, Tim was on the Chairman’s staff at IBM Corporation and led the development of worldwide commercial processes and skills. His early career included management roles in the banking, automotive and aerospace industries, where he led negotiations up to $1.5 billion in value. He has served in advisory roles for government departments in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cummins-62248a/) ### Ned Coleman [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-coleman-3245b43/) Executive Director of Contract Management Accenture ![Ned Coleman](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Speakers/Ned%20Coleman.jpg) Ned Coleman Executive Director of Contract Management Accenture About Ned Coleman Ned Coleman is the Executive Director of Contract Management, Accenture. In this role, Ned oversees the Contract Management function, a global team of 1,800 that leverages contract expertise, commercial acumen and client relationship skills to improve our clients’ experience of working with Accenture, support profitable growth and manage contract risk, and oversee the contract lifecycle. Ned sponsors the Global Legal Network, our legal shared services capability that spans 12 countries around the globe providing skills in legal and contract management and in key languages. He is a member of the Global Legal Executive Committee and Global Leadership Committee. Assuring that legal is an inclusive place for all, and where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, is hugely important to Ned. He sponsored Truly Human for Legal for many years, and currently sponsors New Joiner and Ally Engagement for Pride. Ned also leads Accenture Commercial Services (ACS), which is a collaboration of Accenture’s financial, commercial and contract-related functions offering key services that enable client teams to manage, sell and deliver. ACS provides global contracting capabilities through Accenture International Limited (AIL) to which Ned serves as the managing director and chairs its Board. From 2013 to 2017, Ned led Contract Management and Transaction Contracting in Asia Pacific and was based in Singapore. Starting in 2015, his role evolved to lead Contract Management in the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Turkey in addition to Asia Pacific. From 2010 to 2013, Ned was a Commercial Director supporting our work in Financial Services in the United Kingdom. Ned has a commercial management background and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen in Dublin. Ned joined Accenture in 2007 as part of Contract Management. He lives in Dublin, Ireland, with his wife Alison and three young boys. Outside of work, he enjoys road cycling and spending time with his family – often from the sidelines of a pitch. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-coleman-3245b43/) ### Donna Young [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-young-16b41522/) Director of Contract Management (EMEA) Accenture ![Donna Young](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/Donna%20Young.jpg) Donna Young Director of Contract Management (EMEA) Accenture About Donna Young [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-young-16b41522/) # Resources ![AI in Contracting\_Cover-A](https://info.worldcc.com/hubfs/AI%20in%20Contracting_Cover-1-1-1-1.jpeg "AI in Contracting_Cover-A") ### **Research** Tap into 85 years of expertise in commercial and contract management. WorldCC's AI research reports are powered by the CCM Institute, leveraging insights from over 200,000 professionals. Gain unparalleled access to practical knowledge and cutting-edge analysis to navigate the evolving landscape of CCM. Explore our research and benefit from the collective wisdom of the industry. 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