#6 - Defense, Terminology Differences, and AI Culture: Procurement Puts on a Helmet

Today, we’re diving into defense procurement, overlooked corporate departments, and the eternal debate between procurement and purchasing. Scroll down to find out more—and to understand why there's a chicken on the cover! 📜

🌍 Global Outlook

When Procurement Puts on a Helmet 🛡️

Brussels has just made a groundbreaking announcement: the EU’s first common defense strategy is officially on the table. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a plan to boost the competitiveness of the European defense industry—not just in terms of weaponry, but also in supply chains.

At the heart of this strategy is the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP), which will allocate €1.5 billion to strengthen production capacity across EU member states and accelerate the transformation of defense supply chains.

Von der Leyen made it clear: by 2030, 50% of military equipment should be sourced within the EU, rising to 60% by 2035. Think of it like what was done for gas or COVID-19 vaccines—but this time, with missiles and tanks. 😎

Procurement is increasingly shaping Europe’s future, and this time, wearing a helmet is mandatory.

Source: EuNews

📚 Words That Matter

Procurement vs. Purchasing: Not the Same Thing! 🛠️💸

If you thought procurement and purchasing were the same, think again! Let’s clear this up: purchasing is just one part of the broader procurement process.

• Procurement is the full strategic process, from sourcing suppliers to negotiation and contract management, aiming to build long-term value and relationships.

• Purchasing, on the other hand, is purely transactional—it focuses on acquiring goods and services at the best price in the shortest time.

Why does this distinction matter? Because if you’re looking for a procurement expert to transform your company, you don’t need just a buyer. A procurement professional manages risk, strategic value, and total cost of ownership.

To go the distance, make sure you know the difference between the train conductor and the ticket seller! 🚉🎟️

Source: Institute of Supply Chain Management

🖼️ Memes of the Day

This post speaks for itself. If you’ve never been in procurement, you might not get it. But luckily, times are changing, and we’re working to pull the industry out of the depths. 🐙🤿

🎙️ Podcast Section

In this episode, we’re joined by Gianluca Giovannetti, Corporate General Director at Amadori—which finally explains the cover! 🐔

With Gianluca, we explored how procurement is no longer just about negotiation, but a 360-degree role that can make a real impact on businesses. AI is playing a key role in this transformation—not as a replacement, but as an enabler. The real driving force behind this transition is the courage to adopt new technologies and the commitment to educating people.

Because at the end of the day, without a corporate culture ready for change, even the most advanced AI is just a dancing chicken! 😉