Key Insights from the 2024 European CPO Survey
The procurement landscape is ever-evolving, requiring CPOs to adapt with agility and sharpen their strategic focus.
In this European CPO report, WBR Insights surveyed 100 Chief Procurement Officers and senior procurement executives from organisations across Europe to learn how CPOs are navigating complex global challenges, implementing AI into the procurement ecosystem, and balancing cost-cutting while maintaining a competitive edge. The results were compiled and anonymised by WBR Insights and presented with analysis and commentary by WNS Procurement and the ProcureCon Europe community.
Download this CPO Europe report to learn how we can navigate these challenges and create enduring value for their organisations.
What You'll Learn:
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The evolving landscape of procurement:
C-Suite insights on navigating global challenges
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AI on the horizon:
Exploring the potential of cutting-edge technologies in procurement
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Cost control with a competitive edge:
Strategies to create value while maintaining competitiveness
Download the full report now!
FAQs
1. What is the 2024 European CPO Report and who conducted it?
European CPO Report 2024 is an industry-leading whitepaper conducted by WNS Procurement in partnership with WBR Insights. Based on a survey of 100 senior procurement executives, it explores how European CPOs are navigating geopolitical instability, integrating generative AI, and shifting their strategic focus from pure cost-cutting to organizational resilience and value creation.
2. What key challenges are European CPOs currently facing in the procurement landscape?
The most significant European procurement challenges identified in 2024 include persistent supply chain disruptions (cited by 26% of leaders) and inflationary pressures (19%). Additionally, nearly half of CPOs report a lack of internal influence as a major hurdle, complicating their efforts to drive cross-functional transformation and secure boardroom support for long-term strategic initiatives.
3. How are CPOs leveraging AI to transform procurement operations across Europe?
AI in European procurement is moving beyond automation to act as a "co-pilot" for human expertise. Currently, 49% of European organizations have implemented AI to enhance efficiency in contract management, supplier research, and market analysis. This shift allows procurement teams to reallocate resources toward high-level strategic tasks, such as innovation and sustainability-led sourcing.
4. What strategies are helping CPOs balance cost-cutting with maintaining a competitive edge?
Effective procurement cost control strategies now prioritize rapid value delivery and supplier collaboration over transactional price reduction. CPOs are utilizing supplier incentive programs (used by 87% of firms) and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to manage rising capital costs. This balanced approach ensures immediate savings without compromising the innovation and quality needed for a competitive edge.
5. How does the 2024 European CPO Report provide insights for future procurement transformation?
Key procurement transformation insights Europe reveals that technology integration has increased decision-making efficiency for 94% of organizations. The report emphasizes that future transformation depends on a "human-centric" AI strategy—mapping digital tools to the specific needs of procurement professionals to augment their capabilities rather than replacing them, ultimately driving greater organizational agility.
6. How does WNS Procurement help European firms apply these report insights?
WNS Procurement helps organizations execute a successful WNS European procurement strategy by bridging the gap between raw data and actionable results. By deploying the "AI + HI" framework highlighted in the report, WNS enables firms to automate labor-intensive auditing tasks and provides the category expertise needed to turn global supply chain challenges into strategic growth opportunities.