3 Key Themes for CSCOs in 2026

As we enter 2026, Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) are navigating a business landscape characterized by persistent volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). Shifting tariffs, ongoing geopolitical disruptions, and rapid technological advancements continue to reshape supply chains, requiring leaders to adopt forward-looking strategies to achieve success.

In this environment, the importance of a trusted peer network has never been greater. To support these executives, Gartner C-level Communities recently announced the launch of new CSCO peer communities in New York, Chicago, and London – providing a unique opportunity for supply chain leaders to connect, share insights, and validate strategies. 

Driven By CSCOs, For CSCOs™, community members shape each gathering’s agenda, ensuring that discussions address their most pressing challenges in real time. As we prepare for our inaugural CSCO community events, three key focus areas have emerged for supply chain leaders in 2026: Building Resilient, AI-powered Supply Chains; Engineering Profit Amid Shifting Cost Mandates; and Accelerating Growth Through Frictionless Supply Chain Performance. 

Here’s a closer look at each theme:

1. Building a Resilient, AI-powered Supply Chain

Supply chain organizations are uniquely positioned for an AI-driven future, thanks to rich data sets and repeatable processes. Currently, 72% of supply chain organizations are deploying GenAI use cases; however, only a few are seeing significant impacts on productivity and ROI. To realize greater value, leading CSCOs are taking a pragmatic, two-pronged approach: delivering immediate value through focused use cases such as forecasting and inventory optimization, while investing in scalable architectures, robust data governance, and talent strategies for long-term success. Balancing quick wins with a long-term vision will be essential as AI becomes core to supply chain performance.
 

1. Engineering Profit Amid Shifting Cost Mandates

CSCOs continue to face intense pressure to reduce costs in an unpredictable business climate. With most easy savings already realized, further cuts risk impacting revenue and growth. To create a sustainable cost structure, CSCOs must move beyond simply trimming supply chain expenses and begin managing costs across the entire enterprise. As Gartner Sr Director Analyst, Kevin Otto recommends, “Find that sweet spot where you deliver an outstanding customer experience that is balanced with keeping operations lean and efficient.” This holistic approach will enable supply chain leaders to engineer profit and resilience, even as cost mandates shift.
 

1. Accelerating Growth Through Frictionless Supply Chain Performance

CSCOs are being challenged to deliver excellence beyond their functional boundaries and generate enterprise-level impact. According to Gartner insights, “Leaders of high-performing supply chain organizations invest in key capabilities that drive commercial growth, even for future, hard-to-measure outcomes or when the company is challenged by supply chain risk.” The most successful supply chains will not only focus on cost reduction, but also align execution with outcomes that drive competitive advantage and accelerate growth.
 

If you’re ready to collaborate with fellow supply chain executives, exchange ideas, and drive enterprise impact, we invite you to apply to join Gartner CSCO Communities and be part of this dynamic network.