Energy companies’ readiness for the digital transformation of the purchasing process

Social and economic developments, the dynamic geopolitical situation, and climate policy changes are exerting an increasingly significant influence on stakeholders in the energy sector. In recent years, the sector has undergone a period of dynamic change, during which there has been a notable increase in awareness of the potential for digital transformation within the sector. A specific process that ensures the security and stability of supply is the purchasing process. The objective of this article is to identify the mechanisms that facilitate and impede the digital transformation of the purchasing process in energy companies in Poland. The research employed a qualitative exploratory methodology based on interviews with procurement executives from Polish energy companies. The findings of the research, together with their subsequent analysis, enabled the identification of ten factors that act as impediments to the digital transformation of the purchasing process in energy companies in Poland. The article puts forward five mechanisms that could assist in overcoming the identified obstacles to transforming the purchasing process. The study emphasizes the significance of implementing effective change management and business digitalisation strategies to facilitate the digital transformation of purchasing process.