As organizations navigate rising risk, supply chain disruptions, technology demands, and sustainability pressures, procurement is increasingly expected to create broader strategic value. 

The 2026 CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply report, Time to Lead, highlights this shift through insights from more than 500 procurement and supply chain leaders worldwide. The report examines the evolving role of procurement, and the capabilities organizations are prioritizing to meet emerging challenges. 

Key Findings 

Procurement's influence is growing in 52% of organizations. In the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, that figure rises to 63%.  

The top capabilities organizations are seeking to strengthen include:  

• Technology and digital enablement; 

• Risk management; and 

• Negotiation and supplier engagement. 

Redefining Procurement Value 

As procurement's role expands, so does the definition of value. 

While cost savings remain important, organizations are increasingly measuring procurement performance through broader outcomes, including: 

• Time saved and process efficiency; 

• Supplier performance and accountability; 

• Sustainability objectives; 

• Operational performance improvements; and 

• Risk mitigation and resilience. 

What This Means for Healthcare 

These findings reinforce the role HealthPRO Canada plays in helping healthcare organizations create value across the full procurement lifecycle. From strategic sourcing and competitive contracts to supplier performance, sustainability, and supply continuity, the impact of procurement extends well beyond the initial contract award. 

Procurement's Contribution to Healthcare Value 

Beyond securing competitive pricing, effective procurement can help: 

• Protect continuity of patient care; 

• Strengthen supplier accountability; 

• Improve member and stakeholder experience; 

• Manage operational and supply chain risk; 

• Support responsible and sustainable procurement; and 

• Ensure awarded contracts deliver measurable operational value. 

Turning Data into Action 

The report also highlights the growing importance of transforming data and insights into action. 

For HealthPRO Canada, this reinforces our strategic focus for the next three years on the need to: 

• Identify risks early; 

• Connect data across systems and suppliers; 

• Provide Members with greater visibility into contract and supplier performance; and 

• Enable more informed, proactive decision-making. 

Together, these trends point to a broader and more strategic definition of procurement value in healthcare, one that extends beyond savings to support resilience, performance, and ultimately better patient outcomes. 

Read the Full Report 

2026 CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply: Time to Lead  

Source: Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), 2026 Global State of Procurement & Supply: Time to Lead, supported by GEP.