A strong supplier diversity program has become a critical component of leading procurement teams.
The Hackett Group’s 2025 Supplier Diversity Study highlights why organizations are investing more in their supplier diversity programs — and how they are evolving to drive measurable business impact.
In a recent webinar hosted by Supplier.io, Chris Sawchuk, Principal and Global Procurement Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group, shared key takeaways from this year’s research that was just conducted. This is some of the most timely and detailed data on corporate supplier diversity programs done so far this year. His insights reinforce why programs must focus on accurate data, finding new suppliers, and demonstrating business value.
Supplier diversity programs continue to gain momentum
For over two decades, The Hackett Group has studied the evolution of supplier diversity programs across industries. Their latest research confirms that these programs are no longer optional or isolated — they are an integral part of procurement strategies designed to drive both business and community impact.
Chris Sawchuk shared:
“Even in uncertain environments, forward-looking organizations are leaning in — they’re investing in supplier diversity because they see it as part of their long-term business strategy, not just a compliance requirement.”
According to the report:
- 79% of companies have increased their diverse supplier spend
- 61% plan to increase technology usage within their supplier diversity program
- 50% will improve the granularity of their supplier diversity reporting
- 45% operate multi-regional supplier diversity programs
These trends show that leading companies recognize the business value their programs deliver — beyond just compliance or image-building.
Why accurate data is critical for every supplier diversity program
A successful program requires accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data. For many organizations, managing supplier diversity data has been a challenge, especially with changing ownership structures, expired certifications, and inconsistent reporting.
“One of the key trends we’re seeing is a move away from supplier self-reporting toward a much greater reliance on third-party data providers to validate supplier diversity information,” said Sawchuk.
In fact, the Hackett Group’s 2025 report found:
- 75% of organizations will increase focus on supplier diversity data integrity
- 67% plan to boost their use of third-party data enrichment and reporting
With platforms like Supplier.io, procurement teams gain access to verified supplier data, continuous certification tracking, and automated reporting — all essential to a high-performing sourcing program.
Sourcing and finding new suppliers remains a challenge
Despite increased investment in these programs, many organizations still struggle to find qualified diverse suppliers for specific categories or regions.
Sawchuk emphasized:
“Finding qualified diverse suppliers in specific spend categories continues to be the biggest challenge for supplier diversity programs, which is why platforms like Supplier.io are so critical.”
Modern programs are addressing this challenge with supplier intelligence tools that help procurement teams:
- Discover new diverse suppliers based on certifications, capabilities, and location
- Identify underutilized diverse suppliers within their current supply base
- Expand sourcing opportunities to reduce risk and improve supply chain resilience
These capabilities help organizations move beyond basic reporting — enabling their program to drive innovation, cost savings, and agility.
Demonstrating the impact of your program
Leading organizations know that tracking spend with diverse suppliers is just the beginning. Today, organizations measure supplier diversity programs by their broader impact, which includes job creation, local economic development, and sustainability.
Sawchuk explained:
“As programs mature, organizations are expected to show measurable outcomes — not just spend with diverse suppliers, but what that spend is doing in terms of jobs created and local economic impact.”
Platforms now offer advanced analytics to help companies:
- Quantify the economic and social impact of their program
- Align reporting with ESG and DEI goals
- Showcase progress and impact to internal stakeholders, customers, and regulators
By demonstrating the full value of their supplier diversity program, organizations strengthen executive support and drive greater long-term investment.
Programs benefit from broader technology investments
The Hackett Group’s 2025 research shows that procurement teams are increasing their technology investments — and supplier diversity programs are benefiting.
Sawchuk noted:
“One thing we saw in our 2025 CPO Agenda study was that organizations will invest more in technology in 2025 than last year; and it’s certainly being reflected in the investments for supplier diversity.”
Digital transformation is accelerating program performance by enabling:
- Centralized supplier discovery and onboarding
- Automated certification tracking and data enrichment
- Real-time impact reporting and spend analytics
Procurement leaders understand that technology is essential for scaling their supplier diversity programs — and demonstrating their strategic value.
The future of supplier diversity programs is data-driven, impactful, and strategic
The Hackett Group’s 2025 Supplier Diversity Study makes one thing clear: organizations that invest in their supplier diversity programs are building more resilient, innovative, and socially responsible supply chains.
By focusing on accurate data, expanding supplier discovery, and demonstrating measurable impact, leading procurement teams are transforming their supplier diversity programs into a strategic advantage.
Is your supplier diversity program ready to lead? Supplier.io’s Supplier Intelligence Platform helps organizations power smarter, faster, and more impactful supplier diversity programs — built on trusted data and actionable insights. Book a demo with one of our experts today.