Governance in focus 2025: Key insights and actionable takeaways

Shaped by sustainability imperatives, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies, governance is evolving rapidly. As regulatory frameworks shift and stakeholder expectations rise, organizations must proactively refine their governance strategies to stay compliant, mitigate risks, and drive long-term success.

To help leaders address today’s challenges, we hosted the Governance in Focus 2025 webinar, featuring top industry experts sharing insights on compliance, technology, and building a governance-first culture.

Our speakers included Fraser Smith, Senior Source-to-Contract Manager at Scanmarket with 20+ years in strategic sourcing and procurement; Shawn Windle, Founder of ERP Advisors Group with 25+ years in enterprise software; and Valence Howden, Advisory Fellow at Infotech Research Group and HDI Top 25 Thought Leader in IT governance and risk management.

Here’s an in-depth look at the key themes and actionable takeaways from the discussion.

Sustainability in procurement is a business imperative

Sustainability has transitioned from a corporate responsibility initiative to a fundamental pillar of governance.

Investors, regulators, and consumers are demanding greater accountability in sourcing and supply chain operations, pushing organizations to integrate sustainable procurement strategies into their governance models.

As Fraser Smith emphasized during the webinar: 

“Sustainability remains central to governance, particularly in procurement. Teams must align with both investor expectations and broader societal responsibilities.”

This shift is more than an ethical decision—it’s a strategic necessity. Organizations prioritizing sustainable procurement are not only meeting compliance requirements but also strengthening their brand reputation and securing a competitive edge.

Steps to strengthen sustainable procurement:

• Evaluate supplier sustainability: Conduct regular assessments to ensure vendors adhere to environmental and ethical standards.
• Leverage technology: Use AI-driven tools to track supply chain emissions and optimize eco-friendly sourcing.
• Align with global frameworks: Follow standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Forward-thinking procurement teams are integrating circular economy principles, reducing waste, and prioritizing carbon-neutral supply chains. Organizations that fail to adapt risk falling behind in an era where sustainability is increasingly non-negotiable.

AI and ethical governance: Managing risk in a digital world

The rapid adoption of AI is transforming governance, introducing new ethical and regulatory challenges that organizations must address. AI-driven decision-making can improve efficiency, but it also raises concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability.

Valence Howden highlighted AI governance as one of the most pressing issues in today’s regulatory landscape: 

“The largest governance shift today? Undoubtedly, the rise of AI—and ensuring ethical oversight. AI governance is not just a regulatory challenge but also an operational imperative.”

As AI becomes embedded in compliance monitoring, risk assessment, and policy enforcement, organizations must establish robust oversight mechanisms to ensure fair, unbiased, and explainable AI outcomes. 

Best practices for ethical AI governance:

• Develop AI ethics guidelines: Define fairness, transparency, and accountability principles.
• Implement continuous monitoring: Use AI auditing tools to detect biases and ensure compliance.
• Establish cross-functional AI governance committees: Include legal, compliance, and IT teams in AI oversight.
• Adopt explainable AI (XAI) principles: Ensure that AI decisions can be understood and challenged when necessary.

AI is not just a technological challenge—it’s a governance priority. Organizations that fail to proactively govern AI risk reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of stakeholder trust.  

Technology-driven governance is the key to agility

With regulations shifting at an unprecedented pace, organizations must move beyond manual compliance processes and embrace technology-driven governance solutions. The increasing complexity of regulations demands automation, real-time analytics, and AI-driven risk management. 

Shawn Windle succinctly captured the urgency of this shift: 

“Robust, flexible technology isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for building governance systems that can adapt to fast-changing regulations.” 

How technology enhances governance: 

• Automated compliance tracking: AI-powered platforms can monitor regulatory updates and flag potential non-compliance in real time.
• Data-driven decision-making: Governance technology provides insights that enhance risk management and operational efficiency.
• Integrated governance frameworks: Cloud-based solutions enable seamless collaboration across compliance, legal, and risk management teams. 

Organizations investing in cutting-edge governance technology are better positioned to remain agile and compliant in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Those relying on outdated manual processes risk inefficiencies, human errors, and increased compliance costs.  

Embedding a governance-first culture

Effective governance is not just about policies—it’s about fostering a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and accountability at every level of the organization. Governance must be embedded in day-to-day operations rather than treated as an isolated function.

Valence Howden reinforced this concept, emphasizing that governance should not exist in silos:

“Strong governance requires a cultural shift. It must be woven into the DNA of an organization, ensuring that risk awareness and compliance are shared responsibilities across all levels.”

Steps to build a governance-first culture: 

• Empower leadership buy-in: Ensure executives champion governance initiatives and set the tone from the top.
• Integrate governance into employee training: Regular education programs help reinforce compliance best practices.
• Encourage proactive risk management: Equip teams with tools and frameworks to identify and address risks early.
• Foster transparency and ethical decision-making: Establish clear reporting structures and whistleblower protections. 

When governance becomes a shared responsibility, organizations can enhance resilience, drive sustainable growth, and build long-term stakeholder trust.

Key takeaways: Preparing for the future of governance

The Governance in Focus 2025 webinar underscored the critical shifts shaping governance today. Here are the key takeaways for leaders looking to future-proof their governance strategies: 

• Sustainability drives governance: Align procurement strategies with eco-conscious objectives and societal expectations.
• Ethical AI governance is non-negotiable: Build robust oversight frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance.
• Technology is a game-changer: Invest in adaptive governance platforms to navigate regulatory complexities.
• Culture is key: Embed governance principles across your organization to ensure long-term success.

As governance continues to evolve, organizations that proactively embrace sustainability, AI oversight, technology-driven governance, and a strong compliance culture will be best positioned for success.

For deeper insights and expert-led strategies, watch the full webinar recording and equip your organization with the tools to thrive in 2025 and beyond. You can also check out our suite of integrated solutions or talk to our sales team.