The Future of Purchasing and Supply: A Ten‐Year Forecast1

SUMMARY The purpose of this research was the development of the 10‐year forecasts for purchasing and supply based upon a close examination of key change drivers. The authors aimed at highlighting the most important areas of concern for purchasing executives. The research included trends of importance for organizations of all sizes, in all major industries — profit and nonprofit, private and public. To this end, the research team: Identified the major economic, demographic, societal, competitive, and technological trends most likely to have major implications for the purchasing and supply management profession, its professionals, and organizationalprocesses Projected the identified trends for 10 years (2008) Determined the impact of these trends on purchasing and supply executives Forecasted the environment for purchasing and supply in 10 years (2008) Projected the changes to the purchasing and supply profession, its professionals, and organizational processes implied as a result of the research