Executive Summary
The tariffs introduced by the U.S. government are just one example of the many uncertainties shaping today’s global economy and interconnected supply chains. This growing uncertainty and market volatility are clearly reflected in the responses across industries: Business agility and adaptability, Innovation and business Model Evolution, and Cost Optimization and profitability were identified as the top three commercial priorities for 2025.
To navigate growing uncertainty in supply chain management, respondents consistently pointed to five key strategies. At the top of the list is the diversification of suppliers and sourcing channels to reduce dependency and increase resilience. This is closely followed by stronger collaboration with stakeholders and suppliers, enabling more transparent, agile decision-making. Organizations are also embracing agile and adaptive practices to stay responsive in volatile conditions. In parallel, they are investing in enhanced risk and demand management, supported by analytics and forecasting. While digitalization and AI remain important enablers, respondents made it clear that they are not the primary focus—rather, they serve as supporting tools ithin a broader transformation strategy.
Inside the numbers
This year’s results show continued strong alignment, with 90% of respondents agreeing that adopting Agile in commercial functions—on both the supplier and buyer side—is strategically important to their business. While there is broad consensus on the potential benefits of AI in procurement and supply, actual application remains limited: only 15% have actively implemented AI in their supply chain operations. At the same time, 96% of respondents across industries recognize the need to adjust their ways of working, organizational structures, and roles due to AI. Notably, 85% also agree that Agile principles and practices are essential enablers for effectively leveraging AI—positioning agility as a key foundation for future-ready supply chains.
Written by
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.
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