Abstract
This IDC study offers a comprehensive analysis of the global business consulting market. Based on an analysis of consulting buyers' needs and behavior, market trends and imperatives, competitive landscape, pricing, and talent management dynamics, IDC expects worldwide business consulting spending to increase at a CAGR of 5.4% for 2008-2012. This study includes fact-based forecasts that suggest the areas (geographies and service lines) in which the drivers and growth of business consulting will be over the next five years.
"Our analysis indicates that, despite the current financial crisis, business consulting is poised for healthy growth during the forecast period. Demand slowdown in developed economies will be compensated for by robust demand growth in emerging economies where new industry leaders will become significant clients for business consulting services. At the same time, growing pressure for business model redefinition, acceleration of globalization, and speed to new markets will boost demand from Fortune 1000 companies, which are the traditional clients of business consulting in most industries," says Patrick Levy, program manager for Consulting Service Research at IDC.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- IDC Opinion
- In This Study
- Methodology
- Business Consulting Market Definition
- Situation Overview
- Convergence Across a Broad Range of Consulting Services
- Increased Packaging of Offerings
- Stronger Client/Firm Partnership
- Lengthening of Sales Cycles
- Pervasive Talent Crunch and Impact on the "Pyramid"
- Positive Global Outlook
- The Return of Business Consulting
- Future Outlook
- Forecast and Assumptions
- Table: Key Forecast Assumptions for the Worldwide and U.S. Business Consulting Market, 2008-2012
- Table: Worldwide Business Consulting Spending by Region, 2005-2012 ($M)
- Table: U.S. Business Consulting Spending, 2005-2012
- The U.S. Market
- Market Context
- Table: Worldwide Business Consulting Spending, 2005-2012: Comparison of 2007 and 2008 Forecasts ($M)
- Figure: Worldwide Business Consulting Spending, 2005-2012: Comparison of 2007 and 2008 Forecasts ($M)
- Essential Guidance
- General Guidance for Providers of Business Consulting Services
- Guidance for Management Consultancies
- Guidance for IT Services Firms
- Guidance for Buyers of Business Consulting Services
- Learn More
- Related Research
- Methodology
- Historical Market Values
- Table: Exchange Rates, 2003-2007 (%)
- Synopsis

