U.S., April 17 -- Procurement innovation will be a big talking point in 2019. Operational systems and tools such as machine learning, smart buying platforms, supplier integration hubs and 'boxed' analytical tools will all help procurement teams to complete source-to-pay processes more effectively.
But this isn't the type of innovation I want to focus on here. Yes, it's exciting for the industry, but the area where I see the greatest potential for value creation is the procurement of innovation itself. By that I mean buying early stage services and products and nurturing innovation amongst suppliers. I'm interested in how experimental sourcing and open-minded, supportive supply chain management can change traditional industries, markets and...