When asked what skills future procurement professionals need, Dimitris offers a comprehensive vision balancing technical expertise with human capabilities.“ I would say it’ s a blend of technical, strategic and interpersonal skills,” he begins.“ First of all, digital and analytical intelligence is critical. We are living in the era of AI, so AI fluency and familiarity with advanced systems are essential foundation skills.” But technology alone is insufficient, he says:“ Strategic thinking and risk management remain essential for navigating volatile markets and ensuring supply continuity. AI gives you the data, but you need to analyse it on your own.” This cuts to the heart of AI’ s role. Technology can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns far faster than humans, but it cannot replace the strategic judgement and creative problemsolving that experienced professionals bring.“ Strong negotiation skills combined with resilience, agility and creativity – again, you are doing the negotiation, not the machine, so this needs to always be at a high level – will help professionals adapt quickly,” says Dimitris. Finally, Dimitris emphasises human connection:“ Emotional and social intelligence, because at the end of the day you have collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.” In an era of increasing automation, these distinctively human skills – empathy, relationshipbuilding, communication – become more valuable, not less.“ So taking all as one, I would say that the most important thing is to have a continuous learning mindset that will ensure that everyone stays ahead in a rapidly evolving environment,” Dimitris concludes.
68 January 2026