Enabling artificial intelligence in procurement - An investigation of influencing factors

Purpose
Procurement plays a crucial role in the value creation of companies. Still, there are levers to make more reliable decisions within the procurement process due to a variety of potential suppliers, a mass of data, and a lack of time. A possible lever can be artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. This study examines the factors influencing the use of AI in procurement.

Design/methodology/approach
We conduct 15 semi-structured interviews with Swiss experts in procurement and AI. The interviews are analyzed using Grounded Theory analysis, applying the Gioia method.

Findings
We identify multiple drivers and barriers that should be addressed to enable the targeted use of AI-based software in procurement, thereby supporting the actions of decision-makers.

Research limitations/implications
The study is limited by the researcher's influence on the analysis, especially the coding. Furthermore, the comprehensive but not exhaustive scope of the mentioned levels is a limiting factor.

Practical implications
For practitioners, this study contains a framework to help address the right drivers at the right time and overcome the right barriers in the process.

Original/value
This paper aims to initiate starting points for practitioners to use AI in procurement.