ACCENTURE
Today ’ s supplier ecosystem is very different to that which Dickson first encountered at the start of her procurement journey , with one big change being around technology .
“ Around diversity and inclusion , I ' m seeing a lot of AI , augmented reality , data science , and sustainability ,” says Dickson . “ Small businesses have already begun to be very eco-friendly and are able to teach a lot of us large corporations where to begin .”
Dickson is unequivocal about the benefits smaller firms have to offer , but stresses that they need help when approaching large organisations with those benefits and expertise . “ Many small and diverse businesses seeking to engage Fortune 500 companies will look for help from non-profit organisations , such as National Minority Supplier Development Council ( NMSDC ), National LGBT Chamber of Commerce ( NGLCC ), Women ’ s Business Enterprise National Council ( WBENC ),
DisabilityIN ( US ), Minorities in Supplier Diversity UK ( MSDUK ), The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council ( CAMSC ) and WEConnect International . Bodies like these bring suppliers in , certify that they are minority-owned , and then help facilitate introductions with larger corporations .
Countries leading way on supplier diversity ‘ having the right conversations ’ The NMSDC is based in the US , a country Dickson says is leading the way on diversity and inclusion in the supply chain . Canada and the UK are also strong performers , while South Africa and Australia get a mention in dispatches .
“ The South African government has decreed that corporations must work with Black-owned businesses , and it ’ s the same in Australia with Indigenous-owned businesses ,” she says . “ There are many countries that are
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