In a world defined by disruption, three forces are converging to reshape the future of industry: Decarbonation, Digitalisation, and De-globalisation. These “3Ds” are not just trends—they are systemic shifts. At European Supply Chain Day, hosted by Trinity College Dublin, on April 10th last, Hervé Legenvre, Professor and Research Director at the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM), delivered a presentation that explored how these forces demand a new approach to innovation.
From Bilateral Thinking to Ecosystem Innovation
Procurement professionals have traditionally viewed innovation as a one-to-one exchange between buyer and supplier. This model is no longer sufficient. Legenvre argued that the complexity of today’s challenges requires systemic innovation, collaboration across entire ecosystems.
Industries are undergoing fundamental transitions. Take automotive, for example. It’s not just about sourcing batteries. It’s about raw materials, electric grids, charging infrastructure, and recycling systems. Innovation must be holistic.
Decarbonation: Reinventing the Foundations
Decarbonation is not a buzzword. It’s a necessity. Many industries such as; cement, steel, chemicals, energy, were built between 1880 and 1920. These sectors are carbon-heavy and must be reinvented.
Legenvre used a vivid metaphor: if the economy is a giant, we must change its legs. This means rethinking supply chains, embracing circularity, and sharing data across sectors. In cosmetics, for instance, emissions often lie deep within the supply chain. Co-design and circular practices are essential.
Digitalisation: Software-Defined Everything
Digitalisation is transforming how industries operate. It’s not just automation, it’s orchestration. Software is being decoupled from machines and embedded into every object. This shift enables real-time data sharing, smart recycling, and on-demand services.
Imagine scanning a product to receive recycling instructions and incentives. That’s the future. But it requires collaboration. Hardware, software, data, and local support must come together. Innovation is no longer a two-party affair, it’s an ecosystem effort.
De-globalisation: Beyond Reshoring
De-globalisation is often misunderstood. It’s not just about bringing manufacturing home. Legenvre cautioned against narrow thinking. For example, reshoring solar panels doesn’t solve the problem if controllers and inverters are still sourced abroad.
True resilience demands systemic thinking. Skills, infrastructure, and maintenance must be considered. Circular systems offer a more sustainable path forward.
Procurement as a Strategic Knowledge Hub
Procurement must evolve. It’s not just about managing projects, it’s about managing knowledge. Legenvre urged professionals to become knowledge hubs, sharing insights on market trends, supplier innovations, and emerging technologies.
Organise supplier roadshows. Invite startups. Host innovation workshops. These rituals build strategic foresight and position procurement as a driver of change.
Case Study: Naos and Systemic Collaboration
Naos, a mid-sized French cosmetics company, exemplifies systemic innovation. Through industry associations like CUSMED and platforms like Transparency One, Naos collaborates with peers to share data, reduce waste, and scale circular solutions.
They’ve built marketplaces for surplus materials, joined consortiums for traceability, and partnered with 24 companies across seven countries to implement circular economies. This is not competition, it’s cooperation.
Final Reflections: Mindset and Networks Matter
Legenvre closed with two key barriers to innovation: mindset and data sharing. Professionals must overcome cognitive limitations and embrace collaboration. Sharing anonymised data can unlock collective progress.
His advice? See the bigger picture. Act as a connector. Stay engaged in networks. Whether local or global, these communities are essential for learning, scaling, and driving impact.