Skip to content 
Home / Knowledge Hub / eBook
CPO Rising 2025: Navigating Global Uncertainty & Unlocking an AI- Driven Future
Exclusive Research by Ardent Partners | Co-sponsored by Zycus
Executive Overview
In an era of unprecedented global complexity, Chief Procurement Officers are facing both immense challenges and transformative opportunities. The CPO Rising 2025 report, based on insights from 326 procurement executives worldwide, provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating uncertainty while leveraging AI and digital technologies to drive strategic advantage.
“This landmark research confirms what forward-thinking procurement leaders already know – that we’re at an inflection point where AI capabilities, digital transformation, and strategic vision will separate procurement leaders from laggards. At Zycus, we’re proud to co-sponsor this essential resource for the procurement community.”
– Amit Shah, CMO, Zycus
Key Insights at a Glance
Key Statistics:
- 57% of CPOs view 2025 with “great uncertainty” – a dramatic increase from 36% in 2024
- 90% expect 2025 to be more challenging than 2024, as procurement teams navigate inflation, supply chain fragility, and geopolitical conflicts
- 73% of Best-in-Class procurement organizations maintain an active sourcing program – a key differentiator in performance
- 91.7% of spend under management for Best-in-Class procurement teams, compared to just 61.1% for all others
Why This Report Matters
In a landscape defined by economic volatility, technological disruption, and shifting global trade dynamics, this report delivers:
- Comprehensive Benchmarking Data – Compare your performance against industry standards and Best-in-Class organizations
- AI Implementation Roadmap – Practical guidance on where and how to leverage AI across the procurement function
- Executive-Ready Insights – Data-driven ammunition for securing buy-in and budget for strategic initiatives
- Transformation Framework – A proven model for elevating procurement from tactical to strategic
- Future-Focused Strategies – Concrete recommendations for tariff management, technology adoption, and organizational excellence
Featured Topics
- The State of the CPO – Analyze CPO perspectives on uncertainty, challenges, and priorities for 2025. Deep-dive into AI adoption trends and the strategic objectives driving investment.
- The State of Procurement – Explore procurement’s expanding impact on business results, key challenges, and the technology adoption rates shaping next-level performance.
- Procurement Performance – Benchmark your metrics against industry averages and Best-in-Class performers across spend under management, savings, contract compliance, and more.
- Strategies for Success – Implement proven tactics for tariff planning, AI adoption, and organizational excellence from the industry’s top performers.
About the Authors
Andrew Bartolini
Founder & Chief Research Officer, Ardent Partners
John Yuva
Director of Research Operations, Ardent Partners
Ardent Partners is a next-generation analyst firm leveraging data-driven research to help business executives make smarter decisions. Their unique primary research methodology, high-impact publications, and deep domain focus set them apart, with research based on thousands of data points collected and analyzed over the past two decades.
Ready to elevate your procurement function?
Download the CPO Rising 2025 report today and chart your course to procurement excellence.
GET YOUR COPY NOW
eBook
Exclusive Research by Ardent Partners | Co-sponsored by Zycus
Executive Overview
In an era of unprecedented global complexity, Chief Procurement Officers are facing both immense challenges and transformative opportunities. The CPO Rising 2025 report, based on insights from 326 procurement executives worldwide, provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating uncertainty while leveraging AI and digital technologies to drive strategic advantage.
“This landmark research confirms what forward-thinking procurement leaders already know – that we’re at an inflection point where AI capabilities, digital transformation, and strategic vision will separate procurement leaders from laggards. At Zycus, we’re proud to co-sponsor this essential resource for the procurement community.”
– Amit Shah, CMO, Zycus
Key Insights at a Glance
Key Statistics:
- 57% of CPOs view 2025 with “great uncertainty” – a dramatic increase from 36% in 2024
- 90% expect 2025 to be more challenging than 2024, as procurement teams navigate inflation, supply chain fragility, and geopolitical conflicts
- 73% of Best-in-Class procurement organizations maintain an active sourcing program – a key differentiator in performance
- 91.7% of spend under management for Best-in-Class procurement teams, compared to just 61.1% for all others
Why This Report Matters
In a landscape defined by economic volatility, technological disruption, and shifting global trade dynamics, this report delivers:
- Comprehensive Benchmarking Data – Compare your performance against industry standards and Best-in-Class organizations
- AI Implementation Roadmap – Practical guidance on where and how to leverage AI across the procurement function
- Executive-Ready Insights – Data-driven ammunition for securing buy-in and budget for strategic initiatives
- Transformation Framework – A proven model for elevating procurement from tactical to strategic
- Future-Focused Strategies – Concrete recommendations for tariff management, technology adoption, and organizational excellence
Featured Topics
- The State of the CPO – Analyze CPO perspectives on uncertainty, challenges, and priorities for 2025. Deep-dive into AI adoption trends and the strategic objectives driving investment.
- The State of Procurement – Explore procurement’s expanding impact on business results, key challenges, and the technology adoption rates shaping next-level performance.
- Procurement Performance – Benchmark your metrics against industry averages and Best-in-Class performers across spend under management, savings, contract compliance, and more.
- Strategies for Success – Implement proven tactics for tariff planning, AI adoption, and organizational excellence from the industry’s top performers.
About the Authors
Andrew Bartolini
Founder & Chief Research Officer, Ardent Partners
John Yuva
Director of Research Operations, Ardent Partners
Ardent Partners is a next-generation analyst firm leveraging data-driven research to help business executives make smarter decisions. Their unique primary research methodology, high-impact publications, and deep domain focus set them apart, with research based on thousands of data points collected and analyzed over the past two decades.
Ready to elevate your procurement function?
Download the CPO Rising 2025 report today and chart your course to procurement excellence.
GET YOUR COPY NOW
The preferred solution for world-class global enterprise
What Our Customer Say
Checkout how our customers are leveraging GenAI-Powered Source to Pay Platform
