In a modern world where economic volatility, black swan events and rapid technological evolution demand agility in Finance and Procurement strategies, new data from Raindrop Systems reveals a growing disconnect in the industry between ambition for innovation and reality of execution.  

The company today released “Ambition Meets Attrition: Finance and Procurement Leaders Must Bridge the Growing Gap Between AI Ambition and Real-World Agility” based on a recent survey of 1,000 U.S.-based Finance and Procurement decision-makers. The report finds that 55%** of organizations still prioritize cost control over flexibility, even after several years defined by supply chain shocks and economic disruption. 

Despite over 4 in 5 (83%) of Procurement and Finance professionals saying they feel directly responsible for innovation in their organization’s Procurement strategy, less than one third (27%) feel fully able to deliver it under their current circumstances. While most professionals are still having their success measured in cost savings (48%) and risk mitigation (43%) by their leadership, nearly one in three (29%) report they see their greatest value instead as supporting overall business growth. 

“Procurement and Finance have evolved well beyond the stereotype of just being responsible for managing costs,” said Ward Karson, Chief Operating Officer of Raindrop Systems. “Today, these departments are expected to help drive strategic resilience, yet many remain caught in a cycle of ambition without action. Until they have the right tools to turn intent into results, their potential to fuel innovation and business growth is going to remain out of reach.” 

The rise of AI-driven procurement tools presents a major opportunity to close this gap. However, three out of four respondents reported that, although their organizations have the right internal infrastructure to support AI, cultural resistance, limited investment, and a shortage of skills have prevented meaningful AI projects from getting off the ground. In fact, 18%*** reported no AI adoption has taken place to date within their departments.  Respondents identified data analysis (44%), task automation (39%), team collaboration (38%), and proactive risk management (37%) as valuable tasks for AI to take over and free them up to drive further innovation for the company.

The report’s findings present a clear call to action for Procurement and Finance teams to redefine their role and their technology. By embracing AI-powered solutions and thus shifting the value of these departments, leaders can help Procurement move beyond transactional cost-cutting to become strategic partners that shape growth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

“No matter company size, those who delay adoption of AI-powered, end-to-end solutions risk entrenching inefficiencies and falling behind peers,” said Patrick Raymann, Research Director at IDC. “Partnering with proven technology providers who can quickly bridge the readiness-to-reality gap will determine the winners of the next wave of Procurement innovation.”

Download the Full Report: To read the full “Ambition Meets Attrition” report and learn how Raindrop’s AI-native spend management solutions can fuel your Procurement strategy, visit https://bit.ly/49duDw6 

Survey Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 finance professionals (aged 18+) in the US who are decision makers in spend management/procurement. The data was collected between 06.23.2025 - 07.09.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

*Combining answer options “Very flexible” and “Somewhat flexible” 

**Combining answer options “Heavily favoring cost-efficiency” and “Slightly favoring cost-efficiency”

***Combining answer options “Significantly interested, but no adoption”, “Moderately interested, but no adoption” and “Minimally interested, but no adoption”.