Dr. Vincent Delke is an Assistant Professor in the Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Management (ETM) department at the University of Twente, within the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS). He is also a member of the European Laboratory on Innovative Purchasing and Supply (EL-IPS), an interdisciplinary research and education initiative that seeks to reshape the procurement research agenda.
Dr. Delke holds a Master of Science in International Business Administration from the University of Twente. He completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in collaboration with the MĂŒnster University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on the dynamic interface between buyers and suppliers in product value chains, exploring how purchasing and supply management (PSM) practices drive strategic value and performance in manufacturing firms. A key focus of his work is understanding the evolving roles and skill requirements of procurement professionals in the face of digitalization and Industry 4.0.
His research takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach, particularly examining how technology can enhance procurement and manufacturing processes. He studies topics such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), investigating how digital solutions can improve supply chain transparency and help procurement professionals manage increasing regulatory workloads. Additionally, he examines the business integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in purchasing and manufacturing, as well as innovation in supply managementâranging from new procurement tools and practices to product and process innovations that drive competitive advantage.
As an educator, Dr. Delke is actively involved in teaching courses on purchasing and supply management across multiple programs, including the International Business Administration and Industrial Engineering Management bachelor's programs, as well as the Business Administration masterâs program. His teaching particularly focuses on technology-driven procurement, with an emphasis on the application of AI and other advanced technologies in purchasing and manufacturing. He also plays a key role in the Industry 4.0 Minor, contributing to the business-oriented aspects of this cross-faculty initiative.
Dr. Delke is currently involved in the Erasmus+ funded EXPERTISE project, which aims to enhance the digital competencies of âSilver Workersââexperienced professionals in purchasing and supply managementâby fostering collaboration with younger colleagues and developing tailored training solutions to address current industry challenges. By providing competency analyses and customized learning materials, the project supports the employability and competitiveness of senior professionals in an increasingly digitized business environment.
Beyond this, he has contributed to several research projects, including KoDi-SRM (Competence-Oriented and Digital Teaching Methods in Supplier Relationship Management) at the MĂŒnster University of Applied Sciences and Project PERSIST, which examines the role of Purchasing and Supply Management in Industry 4.0. His involvement in these projects has been instrumental in shaping competency-driven learning approaches to prepare both students and industry professionals for technological transformation in procurement.
Through his research, teaching, and industry collaborations, Dr. Delke is committed to bridging the gap between academia and practice, ensuring that purchasing professionals are equipped with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to navigate an increasingly digital and complex business landscape.
Expertise
Social Sciences
- Supply Management
- Skills
- Technology
- Technological Change
- Perspective
- Lifelong Education
Computer Science
- Industry 4.0
- Roles
Organisations
Dr. Vincent Delkeâs research explores the intersection of purchasing and supply management (PSM) and Industry 4.0, focusing on how technology is reshaping procurement roles, competencies, and strategies. His work addresses the strategic contribution of procurement in business transformation, particularly emphasizing the evolving skill sets required for professionals in the digital age.
A key theme in his research is the impact of Industry 4.0 on procurement functions. In "Implementing Industry 4.0 technologies: Future roles in purchasing and supply management", he examines how emerging technologies, such as automation, AI, and data analytics, redefine procurement tasks. His work in "Differentiating between direct and indirect procurement: roles, skills, and Industry 4.0" further distinguishes the skill demands for different purchasing categories, offering insights into how firms must adapt their workforce strategies.
Another crucial aspect of his research is the role of procurement in addressing sustainability and crisis management. His study "A Kraljic and competitive rivalry perspective on hospital procurement during a pandemic (COVID-19): A Dutch case study" analyzes how procurement professionals navigate supply chain disruptions. Additionally, his work on "Strategically aligning additive manufacturing supply chains for sustainability and effectiveness" investigates how advanced manufacturing techniques can enhance supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Delke is also recognized for his contributions to procurement education and competency development. He has explored gamified learning in procurement, as seen in "Opportunities for gamified learning in purchasing and supply management education" and "Assessing serious games within purchasing and supply management education". His research identifies critical skill gaps in procurement, with publications such as "Mind the gap: Skill gaps in purchasing and supply management evolving around innovation, communication, and Industry 4.0" offering insights into the evolving competencies required in the field.
More recently, his work has extended to the challenges posed by an aging workforce in procurement, particularly in "Empowering the Silver Workforce: Training and Development Strategies for the Ageing Workforce in the Industry 4.0 Era". This research highlights the importance of lifelong learning and digital upskilling for older procurement professionals to remain competitive in a technology-driven environment.
By bridging academic research with industry practice, Dr. Delkeâs work provides strategic insights for procurement professionals navigating digital transformation, sustainability challenges, and workforce evolution in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.
Publications
2025
2024
Research profiles
Dr. Vincent Delke is dedicated to educating the next generation of purchasing and supply management (PSM) professionals, with a strong focus on technology-driven procurement. His teaching emphasizes the integration of AI, automation, and digital tools into procurement processes, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the digital transformation of supply chains. Through real-world applications, digital case studies, and game-based learning, he provides an engaging and practice-oriented learning experience.
Dr. Delke is actively involved in multiple degree programs, including the Bachelor in Industrial Engineering & Management, the Bachelor in International Business Administration, and the Master in Business Administration. He plays a key role in the Industry 4.0 Minor, where he contributes business-oriented insights into smart manufacturing and digital procurement. His courses cover strategic sourcing, global procurement, tactical buying, and digital transformation, equipping students with both theoretical foundations and practical skills.
Beyond traditional classroom education, Dr. Delke is deeply engaged in competency-driven learning initiatives. He contributes to the EXPERTISE project, which develops digital training for experienced procurement professionals ("Silver Workers"), helping them adapt to new technologies. His involvement in KoDi-SRM and Project PERSIST focuses on creating innovative educational models for procurement professionals in the era of Industry 4.0.
By bridging education and industry, Dr. Delke ensures that students and professionals alike develop future-ready skills, digital literacy, and strategic procurement expertise, positioning them for success in the rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.
Affiliated study programs
Courses academic year 2025/2026
Courses in the current academic year are added at the moment they are finalised in the Osiris system. Therefore it is possible that the list is not yet complete for the whole academic year.
Courses academic year 2024/2025
Dr. Vincent Delke has been actively engaged in a range of research and educational projects that explore the digital transformation of purchasing and supply management (PSM), competency development, and technological innovation. His work focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that procurement professionals at all career stages are equipped with the necessary skills, strategies, and digital expertise to navigate an increasingly complex business environment.
Currently, he is deeply involved in the Erasmus+ funded EXPERTISE project, which addresses the challenge of digital competency development for experienced procurement professionals, or âSilver Workers.â The project aims to enhance intergenerational collaboration in procurement, ensuring that senior professionals can integrate effectively with digital-native colleagues while adapting to the technological demands of Industry 4.0. By developing customized training materials and competency analyses, this initiative helps safeguard the employability and strategic value of seasoned procurement experts in an increasingly digitalized business landscape.
Beyond this, Dr. Delke has contributed to several key projects that have shaped modern procurement education. His involvement in KoDi-SRM (Competence-Oriented and Digital Teaching Methods in Supplier Relationship Management) at the MĂŒnster University of Applied Sciences focused on developing innovative digital learning approaches for supplier relationship management. Through this initiative, he played a pivotal role in modernizing procurement training, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared for technology-driven supplier interactions and digital procurement processes. Additionally, in Project PERSIST, he examined how Industry 4.0 is reshaping procurement functions, contributing to the development of competency-driven learning models that prepare students and industry professionals for the growing automation and data-driven nature of supply chains.
Looking ahead, Dr. Delke is actively involved in acquiring new projects, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). As procurement and supply chain management continue to evolve under regulatory and technological pressures, he aims to develop new research initiatives that explore AI-driven procurement strategies, digital compliance solutions, and sustainable supply chain innovations. His commitment to pioneering research and education in these areas reflects his dedication to ensuring that procurement professionals are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to thrive in an era of rapid digitalization and regulatory transformation.
Current projects
Finished projects
KoDi-SRM
Competence oriented and digital teaching methods within supplier relationship management
Within the KoDi-SRM project, new components for teaching SRM are developed. I started the project by analyzing the requirements for future procurement. With the first part of the project, technological developments influencing procurement were identified. At the current state of the project, requirements are collected, evaluated, and prepared for teaching.
PERSIST
Purchasing Education Research Syndicate: Industry 4.0 Skills Transfer
The focus of Project PERSIST is to analyse the role of Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) in the era of I4.0 (machine-to-machine communication). This underlying subject is developing in a fast pace and higher education needs to prepare for the role of new content and new forms of education. New competencies will be required and the need for new, interactive, student-centred teaching approaches is subsequent. The project members see the opportunity to benefit from the technology changes to support future education. A tailored education system will most likely help to develop future competencies. Project PERSIST aims to prepare students and lecturers with a student-centred approach of competency driven learning, in which the learning and teaching of knowledge, professional and interpersonal skills, and intrapersonal character traits is stimulated.
Address
University of Twente
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Netherlands
University of Twente
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Netherlands
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