Deal! 2 has been released: costs, circularity and AI are shaping the future of procurement

The Nevi Barometer for Public Sector Procurement shows that the focus is shifting from sustainability and social value towards cost control and performance. At the same time, the need to invest in professional contract and supplier management remains as strong as ever.

In addition, Deal! 2026 #2 offers deeper insight into current themes such as:

• CO₂ reduction in the concrete supply chain and the impact of European regulations such as CBAM
• Circular procurement through ‘Not, Different and Less Procurement’
• Relational contracting, with alignment and collaboration at its core
• Supply chain dependency and critical materials, with attention to geopolitical risks
• The rise of AI and voice technology, and their impact on productivity and knowledge work
• New European anti-corruption rules, with far‑reaching consequences for public procurement

This edition also includes practical case studies from the public sector, such as the procurement transformation at UWV, as well as sharp analyses like the ‘Eyes on Costs’ column.

What this edition makes clear is that the procurement profession is undergoing fundamental change. Not only due to external pressures, but also because of the growing role of technology and data. Procurement professionals are increasingly expected to operate in a strategic, adaptive and connective manner.