How are businesses navigating tariff turmoil? A recent executive discussion revealed a mix of quick fixes and long-term plans, with some key decisions still pending. The conversation even questioned whether we're moving beyond supply chains to more flexible networks. This report breaks down what companies are doing now, considering next, and what they might be missing.

Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept – it's reshaping how we manage contracts. This report explores how AI-powered CLM systems can deliver significant cost savings and speed while empowering contract professionals with unprecedented knowledge. Discover a practical framework, developed with Carnegie Mellon professors, to segment your contracts and determine the optimal level of AI integration based on factors like complexity and potential risks.

Effective relationship management and collaboration are increasingly crucial in navigating today's volatile markets. Both buyers and suppliers recognize the mutual benefits derived from competence in Relationship Management. Indeed, in business, the emergence of ecosystems is altering competitive strategies, with substantial evidence indicating that long-term partnerships foster more innovation than traditional competition. This report explores the current state of B2B Relationship Management, particularly the benefits of increased collaboration and the barriers to progress.

Move beyond transactions and build strategic partnerships. Our online Introduction to Relationship Management program equips you to move beyond the simple "buy-sell" mentality and forge strategic partnerships with your suppliers. Focusing on value creation will give you the skills to maximize collaboration with suppliers and across different departments within your company. You will learn how to effectively communicate your organization's value proposition and engage with project and executive leaders to ensure everyone is aligned towards a common goal. The true power of strong relationships lies in the positive ripple effects they create. Nurturing these connections leads not just to cost reduction, improved scheduling, and enhanced quality (although these are all valuable benefits) but also to a more efficient and innovative supply chain. Strong relationships allow you to gain strategic influence within your industry, propelling your organization and team forward.

In a 2023 report, a staggering 61% of Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) identified "increasing supplier collaboration" as their top priority. This underscores the critical role of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in fostering robust partnerships that drive innovation, efficiency, and mutual growth. Our SRM Certifications are the industry's only accredited programs offering a comprehensive, flexible, and globally recognized learning experience. Our curriculum includes a dedicated AI module, equipping professionals with the essential knowledge to harness AI's power and revolutionize SRM. By understanding how AI can deepen relationships, optimize supply chain operations, enhance supplier management, and contribute to sustainability goals, our certifications empower individuals to drive organizational success.

View the recordings form our Digital Takeover, Collaboration Week, where we explore this critical element of contract and commercial management. Collaboration aligns objectives, mitigates risks, enhances communication, facilitates problem-solving, fosters continuous improvement, builds relationships, and enables adaptability to change. It promotes transparency, trust, and efficiency, leading to successful outcomes and positive business relationships.

Catch up on our insightful webinar, where we explored the vital role of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in the healthcare sector. The session delves into NWLPS's success story within the UK NHS, showcasing how their innovative SRM framework has optimized supplier partnerships, improved patient care, and advanced sustainability. If you missed the live event, now is your chance to learn how strategic collaboration can drive significant impact beyond cost savings. Webinar: https://www.worldcc.com/resources/content-hub/details/strategic-supplier-collaboration-a-case-study-with-nhs-northwest-london-procurement-services-nwlps-

82% of businesses anticipate more disputes over the next three years, with supplier disputes being one of the most concerning areas. This dynamic one-hour session focused on practical tools to better manage supplier conflict and disputes. This workshop is designed to transform everyday commercial operations, with a deep dive into value-add models, frameworks, and strategies that you can incorporate into your day-to-day work. Our speakers looked at goal-setting workshops, options frameworks, and much more!

How to head off or overcome relationship issues by identifying and measuring what matters most Continuing our series, we discover how to avoid or address familiar issues by surfacing the Things That Matter and using "Value Codes" to measure and help realize that value. We see how empathy, alignment, collaboration and trust then naturally emerge to demonstrate ROI and reinforce the case for change.

How can your commercial relationships succeed when the 'Things That Matter' aren't clear and aligned? Learn about "Things That Matter" and understand why they're not being effectively surfaced, communicated, understood, measured, and delivered on in relationships. Discover how the Things That Matter are a powerful and common-sense way to achieve alignment, navigate complexity, and increase value while also fostering empathy, improving morale, and encouraging collaboration.

One in every six contracts suffers a serious disagreement. That’s one of the shocking discoveries from the last WorldCC ‘Most Negotiated Terms’ survey. While this is an average, it’s clear that there could be tremendous benefits from improving the way we handle conflict. In this session, we unveil the dynamic potential of Three Strand Management® (TSM), a new strategy that transforms the approach to commercial disputes. TSM champions the introduction of a neutral third party, or 'strand,' into the tapestry of business interactions, weaving together core principles of collective responsibility, cooperative economics, and transparency. Dive deep into how these elements can not only proactively mitigate disputes but also cultivate an environment ripe for continuous improvement—Kaizen. Watch this empowering session that promises to transform how we think about commercial conflict.

Challenging market conditions often create tension in supply relationships, undermining the collaboration and transparency we need for successful outcomes. Research by NCMA and World Commerce & Contracting reveals a gap in understanding and effective communication between buyers and suppliers - a failure to address ‘the things that matter’. Our presentation and discussion focus on the extent to which this is true for Federal contracting and relationships, providing participants with insight into practical ways to improve the management and control of market uncertainties and volatility.

Negotiation styles can vary wildly. Do you know what style works best for you? Our diverse panel of negotiation experts explore the world of negotiation styles and strategies for contracts professionals. Whether you negotiate to close deals, redline contracts, or seek approvals, understanding your negotiation style and adopting effective strategies can significantly improve your business relationships and expedite contract closures.

The WorldCC Community is your hub for collaboration and growth. Here, you can connect with like-minded professionals, brainstorm solutions, share insights, and overcome industry challenges. This platform brings together top organizations and individuals, fostering a vibrant community where knowledge is shared and best practices are developed. Get involved in industry, region-specific, or topical World Commerce & Contracting networks. Examples include Healthcare, Banking, Negotiation, Risk Management and many more. Run by member volunteers, it is your opportunity to meet new people and exchange ideas. Engage in TASK discussions with WorldCC staff, Council Members, and industry leaders to gain valuable perspectives and drive innovation.

Connecting you globally, engaging with you locally. With members in over 190 countries, WorldCC understands the importance of tailoring global insights to local needs. Our diverse event portfolio is designed to connect you with the community, wherever you are. From intimate webinars to large-scale summits, we offer a range of opportunities to learn, network, and share experiences. Whether you're a seasoned member or just starting your WorldCC journey, we invite you to join us for an event that resonates with your interests and goals.

Our awards are all about you, our community, and your amazing achievements in contract management, contract design, and innovation. Awards are a huge part of how we recognize opportunities to improve, achieve, and revisit our current expectations and goals to better support our members around the world.

Join a community of commercial and contract pioneers. World Commerce & Contracting is a hub for forward-thinking professionals who challenge the status quo. As a member, you'll gain access to innovative tools and resources that empower you to measure, improve, and lead in commercial excellence. Our community fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling you to benchmark your performance, access cutting-edge research, and drive positive change within your organization.