Setting Smarter Objectives for 2026: The Key to Procurement’s AI Success
AI success in procurement isn’t about starting small; it’s about starting smart. As organizations set their 2026 goals, the right mix of AI-driven objectives will determine ROI and define how CPOs lead the next wave of transformation.
How Procurement is Prioritizing AI Objectives
■ 72% of responses include operational objectives, which focus on automating routine processes and tasks to drive efficiency and productivity and to reduce operational costs (i.e., procurement’s overhead).
■ 58% of responses include tactical procurement objectives associated with traditional procurement goals like cost savings, negotiation and contract management.
■ 40% of responses include strategic objectives that strengthen capabilities that
enhance procurement’s strategic value to the enterprise, such as data, analytics and risk management.
Moreover, true technological breakthroughs like AI lead to inventions and opportunities yet to be discovered. CPOs who define their future function only in relation to the present and its pain points could miss out on those opportunities. Imagine your future function based on what you want, not just a future in which you’ve jettisoned what you don’t want.
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Gartner Disclaimer:
Gartner, Procurement’s AI Success Starts With Setting Smarter Objectives, By Ryan Tandler, D.V.S.S.D
Deepika, 27 October 2025
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from Raindrop.
