In April 2023, I was fortunate enough to attend the IPSERA 2023 Conference on Systemic Change. IPSERA (the International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research Association) brings together academics, researchers and practitioners from across the world to explore the latest thinking in procurement and supply chain management.
This year’s conference focused on systemic change, with the aim of bridging research across borders, connecting different academic disciplines, and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.
The discussions explored some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today, including sustainable procurement, green supply chains, supplier ecosystems, circular economy models, collaborative procurement, carbon reporting, social value and modern slavery within supply chains.
Below are some of my key reflections from the event and what they mean for procurement professionals looking to drive sustainable supply chain transformation.
Procurement’s Role in Driving Systemic Change
One of the clearest messages from the conference was that procurement is increasingly recognised as a strategic business function capable of influencing how organisations operate and how supply chains behave.
With my practitioner hat on, I left feeling both inspired and overwhelmed by the scale of change required across the profession. Procurement teams have a significant role to play in addressing environmental and social challenges, but achieving meaningful change requires more than updated processes or policies.
Recurring themes throughout the conference focused on the barriers preventing organisations from making progress, including communication challenges, lack of appropriate tools, outdated processes, regulatory constraints and limited investment in procurement capability.
A key discussion point was the need for greater collaboration across supply chains. This is particularly important when addressing carbon reduction, where organisations and suppliers must recognise that sustainability challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
As one consistent message emerged throughout the conference: we are all connected through the supply chain, and therefore we must work together to create meaningful change.
Barriers to Sustainable Procurement Transformation
The conference highlighted that many of today’s societal and environmental challenges require more than governance changes. Organisations need investment in fit-for-purpose procurement systems, sustainability skills and people development to empower procurement professionals to lead change.
One interesting discussion explored the role of technology in procurement transformation. While digital procurement tools have improved operational efficiency, research presented at the conference suggested that many technologies remain focused on transactional activities rather than helping organisations address complex sustainability challenges.
This highlights the need for further investment in procurement technology, data capability and supply chain visibility.
Other discussions explored how some large global organisations are outsourcing elements of their procurement functions to access specialist expertise and support with increasingly complex challenges.
However, long-term sustainable procurement transformation requires organisations to build internal capability, develop stronger supplier relationships and embed sustainability into procurement strategies.
Carbon Reduction, Scope 3 Emissions and Supply Chain Reporting
One of the most prominent themes throughout the conference was carbon reduction and Scope 3 emissions reporting.
It was not surprising to hear that organisations continue to face uncertainty around how best to measure and reduce supply chain emissions. However, there was broad agreement that businesses must take responsibility for the environmental impact of their wider supply networks.
For many organisations, the majority of emissions sit outside their direct operations, within their supply chains. This makes procurement a critical function in supporting carbon reduction strategies through supplier engagement, responsible sourcing and improved supply chain visibility.
Research presented at the conference also suggested that organisations taking direct action on carbon reduction performed better financially than those relying solely on offsetting approaches or delaying action.
This reinforces the importance of moving beyond compliance and recognising sustainability as a strategic opportunity.
Why the Circular Economy Matters for Procurement Professionals
A theme that particularly interested me was the role of the circular economy in procurement.
Research presented during the conference highlighted the potential economic benefits of circular economy approaches, with some studies suggesting significant returns from investment in circular business models.
Given the current economic climate, increasing resource pressures and growing sustainability expectations, organisations should be exploring how circular principles can create both environmental and commercial value.
Countries such as Sweden have introduced initiatives designed to encourage circular behaviours, including policies supporting the reuse and recovery of materials.
The circular economy challenges traditional linear business models based on “take, make and dispose” approaches. Instead, it focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling.
For procurement professionals, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
How Procurement Can Support a Circular Economy
Source Materials Responsibly
The circular economy begins with responsible sourcing. Procurement teams have an important role in understanding supplier sustainability practices and encouraging suppliers to adopt circular principles such as resource efficiency, closed-loop production and responsible material choices.
Consider Product Lifecycle
Procurement decisions should move beyond initial purchase price and consider the entire product lifecycle.
Working with suppliers to prioritise durability, repairability and recyclability can help reduce waste and improve long-term value.
Implement Circular Business Models
Procurement can support innovative approaches such as product-as-a-service models and closed-loop supply chains.
These models allow organisations to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and create new opportunities for suppliers while supporting a more sustainable economy.
Collaborate Across the Supply Chain
Circular economy procurement cannot be achieved by one organisation alone.
Collaboration between suppliers, customers, regulators and other stakeholders is essential to identify opportunities for improving resource use across the entire value chain.
Measure and Report Progress
To make circular economy initiatives successful, organisations need clear measurement and reporting.
Procurement teams should consider metrics such as recycled content, waste reduction, product lifecycle performance and supplier sustainability improvements.
Data and transparency will be critical in ensuring circular economy approaches remain a business priority.
The Future of Sustainable Procurement
The discussions at IPSERA 2023 reinforced that sustainable procurement is no longer simply an aspiration; it is becoming a business necessity.
Whether organisations are addressing Scope 3 emissions, developing circular supply chains or improving supplier sustainability, procurement professionals have a critical role in driving systemic change.
The transition will not be easy. It requires investment in people, technology, collaboration and new ways of thinking. However, organisations that embrace sustainable procurement strategies will be better positioned to manage future environmental, regulatory and commercial challenges.
The future of procurement is not just about buying better. It is about creating supply chains that are more resilient, responsible and sustainable.
Disclaimer: Nathan is a part-time PhD researcher at the University of Liverpool, with his research focused on modern slavery within UK construction supply chains.
IPSERA is a unique, multi-disciplinary network offering researchers, practitioners and educators a platform for developing and creating purchasing and supply chain knowledge. The annual IPSERA Conference enables the exchange of recent research developments in an inspiring scientific and social environment, with contributions from academics and practitioners across purchasing and supply management.