Consulting (Global Market)

Consulting (Russian market)

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IT consulting

White Paper: IT Consulting

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2024: Global consulting market rises to $362 billion thanks to digital transformation projects

At the end of 2024, the volume of the global consulting market reached $362 billion against $362.5 billion a year earlier. This industry is showing steady growth against the background of the ongoing digital transformation, as stated in the Gartner review, which TAdviser got acquainted with at the end of June 2025.

A significant market driver was the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its most significant consequences for the business sector was the widespread implementation of remote and collaboration platforms. On the one hand, the restrictions imposed in the context of the spread of the coronavirus have disrupted the work of global supply chains. Due to quarantine, many enterprises were forced to suspend activities. On the other hand, due to the current situation in COVID-19, companies around the world have accelerated digital transformation projects. Organizations need sustainable business models that ensure efficiency, availability, and continuity of operations. Therefore, companies in various fields are increasingly turning to consulting firms for help.

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Фото: Freepik

The growing complexity of projects is having a stimulating effect on the industry. Consulting companies offer a comprehensive set of services that help solve the problems of specific clients: this is identifying problems, analyzing the current market situation taking into account the activities of competitors, making a forecast and actually developing a solution. As a result, the customer is able to optimize their operations and reduce costs.

Companies developing a business in geographically distributed regions require consulting services to ensure compliance with various legal requirements. As noted by Gartner, there is a high demand for consulting services in the field of security and management. By 2027, approximately 35% of IT consulting projects are expected to include security-related features, versus 20% in 2022. Thus, the dependence of organizations on external consulting firms in terms of developing information security strategies and risk reduction is increasing.

In addition, the demand for technology consulting - consulting services aimed at optimizing and increasing the efficiency of technology use in business - is rapidly increasing. It includes analyzing existing technological processes, developing development strategies, introducing new technologies and training personnel. The goal of technology consulting is to help companies adapt to the digital economy, increase competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth.

Artificial intelligence has a significant impact on the industry. Organizations turn to consulting firms for help in developing an AI implementation strategy. At the same time, consulting agencies themselves use AI to automate routine tasks, identify market trends, accelerate work on projects, etc. The leading players in the market in question on a global scale are:

• Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited;
• Accenture;
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC);
• Ernst & Young Global Limited;
• Capgemini SE;
• Bain & Company;
• McKinsey & Company;
• KPMG;
• Raytheon Technologies;
• Willis Towers Watson;
• Bates White Economic Consulting;
• Charles River Associates;
• CSG Government Solutions;
• Kenway Consulting;
• Tata Consultancy Services;
• The Bridgespan Group.

Gartner analysts believe that in 2025 the global consulting market will increase by 9% compared to the previous year. As a result, costs can reach approximately $394.6 billion.^[1]

2023: Global consulting market rises 6.4% to $362.5 billion thanks to digital business transformation

In 2023, costs in the global consulting services market reached $362.5 billion. This is 6.4% more than in the previous year, when expenses in this area were estimated at $340.7 billion. One of the main drivers of the industry is the digital transformation of the business, as discussed in the Gartner review, with which TAdviser]] [[reviewed in early November 2024.

The growth of the consulting market is due to several factors. Increasing the complexity of business operations, the development of technological landscapes and the growing attention to strategic decision-making stimulate demand in the relevant area. Companies are looking for external expertise to optimize operations, implement digital products and improve efficiency. Globalization, changes in regulation and the need for innovative solutions also contribute to the expansion of the industry. In addition, awareness of the benefits of consulting services among small and medium-sized enterprises is increasing.

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Фото: Freepik

Another important factor providing sustained positive dynamics is technological progress involving the use of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics. These technologies help customers solve complex business problems. This type of consulting enables organizations to make data-driven decisions, automate manual processes, and improve overall performance. Consulting firms are also using advanced tools to improve their own services. For example, they can use virtual and augmented reality technologies to help customers visualize complex concepts, or use cloud platforms to collaborate with customers in real time.

Consulting firms are leveraging AI technology to empower businesses with advanced analytical tools to extract valuable information from huge datasets. This approach improves strategic planning and promotes competitive advantage in the market. As organizations become more aware of the key role of data, consulting services become an integral part of operations. In addition, there is an increasing need for specialized consulting in areas such as cybersecurity and governance. Gartner estimates that 35% of consulting IT projects will include security features by 2027 (up from 20% in 2022), which will increase organizations' reliance on external service providers to develop information protection and risk mitigation strategies.

Leading consulting companies are investing heavily in R&D to expand their service areas. Among the significant market players named:

• Deloitte;
• Ernst & Young (EY);
• KPMG;
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC);
• Fujitsu;
• HCL Technologies Limited;
• Hexaware Technologies Limited (HTL);
• Infosys Limited;
• Accenture;
• Avanade;
• Cognizant Technology Solutions.

North America leads the consulting services sector, which is explained by the active digital transformation of local organizations. In second place is Europe, where the importance of data in decision-making processes in various industries increases. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth rate. Gartner notes that the emergence of practical industry options for using generative AI will increase the demand for consulting services designed to help buyers improve the flexibility and performance of operations on a large scale.^[2]

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