RESEARCH AGENDA

Questions that matter. Research that informs action.

Three connected focus areas guide our research into the institutions, capabilities and technologies shaping procurement and supply chains.

Research lies at the
heart of AISCR

We undertake applied research and policy studies that help governments,
businesses, universities, development partners and professionals understand
procurement and supply chain challenges and identify practical responses.
Our work connects academic inquiry with institutional and industry needs. The
agenda gives our research a consistent direction, while individual studies
develop in response to stakeholder needs, resources and partnership
opportunities.

THREE FOCUS AREAS

Core pillars of our research agenda

01

Public Procurement and Institutional Governance

Strengthening institutions. Enhancing accountability. Delivering public value.

Effective public procurement depends on more than rules. AISCR examines how policies, governance, leadership and institutional capability shape procurement performance and public service delivery, and where the gap between policy and practice can be closed.

Research interests

  • ✓ Procurement systems, policy and reform
  • ✓ Governance, ethics and accountability
  • ✓ Contract management and performance
  • ✓ Capability, professionalization and leadership
  • ✓ Sustainable and innovative procurement
02

Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management

Building competitive, resilient and high-performing supply chains.

Procurement and supply chain decisions shape costs, service delivery, supplier performance and competitiveness. AISCR investigates how organizations build the capabilities and relationships to source effectively, strengthen suppliers and respond to disruption.

Research interests

  • ✓ Strategic sourcing and supplier relationships
  • ✓ Supplier execution readiness and market access
  • ✓ Performance, analytics and decision-making
  • ✓ Logistics, distribution and trade facilitation
  • ✓ Risk, resilience and responsible sourcing
03

Digital Transformation and Future Supply Chains

Understanding technology. Building readiness. Shaping future practice.

Technology delivers value only when people, processes, data and governance are ready for it. AISCR examines the adoption and responsible use of digital procurement, AI and analytics, and how these changes reshape professional roles.

Research interests

  • ✓ Digital and e-procurement transformation
  • ✓ AI, automation and responsible adoption
  • ✓ Data quality, analytics and decision support
  • ✓ Digital maturity and organizational readiness
  • ✓ Emerging roles and digital skills

Cross-cutting priorities

Four questions run through all three focus areas and shape the design of each study.

Sustainability and climate resilience

How procurement and supply chains support responsible resource use and adaptation.

Supplier development and economic inclusion

How small businesses, local suppliers, women and young people can participate more effectively.

Workforce, education and research capacity

How skills, relevant education and research collaboration support stronger systems.

Implementation and organizational learning

How institutions turn policies, knowledge and investment into improved practice.

Research into practice

We design each study with its use in mind: informing policy, improving institutions, developing suppliers, shaping education or guiding leadership dialogue. Every output explains its methods, limitations and implications.

Research partnerships

AISCR collaborates with governments, universities, businesses, professional associations, research institutions and development organizations. Every project is built around an agreed question, scope, method and set of deliverables.

Collaborative studies

Joint research with academic and institutional partners.

Commissioned research

Studies scoped around your organization's question.

Sponsored public-interest research

Open research that benefits the wider field.

Joint funding proposals

Partnering to secure grants for shared research goals.

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