Professional services firms are reinventing delivery models in an AI- and data-driven economy. To remain competitive, firms must integrate advanced technologies while maintaining talent, trust, and service quality. This research-informed resource is designed to support IT leaders in addressing the evolving demands of Professional Services.
We’ve consolidated the most critical research for IT leaders in Professional Services in 2026 to address these challenges:
- Strategic adoption of AI and ML to enhance service delivery.
- Transitioning to cloud-based, scalable operating models.
- Human-centric technology and experience design.
- Pressure to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent.
- The need to leverage data and intelligence information management.
Info-Tech's Best Research for Professional Services 2026
IT leaders are looking to address the uncertainties facing the professional services environment.
IT leaders are applying research-driven insights to tackle the unique challenges they face in professional services
Professional services firms are reinventing delivery models in an AI- and data-driven economy. To remain competitive, firms must integrate advanced technologies while maintaining talent, trust, and service quality.
We've consolidated the most critical research for IT leaders in professional services in 2026 to address these challenges:
- Strategic adoption of AI and ML to enhance service delivery.
- Transitioning to cloud-based, scalable operating models.
- Human-centric technology and experience design.
- Pressure to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent.
- The need to leverage data and intelligence information management.
Top Trends and Priorities for Professional & Tech Services
"We make your IT department more professional, and we make your IT professionals the best."
Christine West
Senior Managing Partner
Info-Tech Research Group
1
Strategize on the use of AI and ML
Institutionalize AI and ML technologies and upskill employees on advanced tools.
2
Embrace cloud technology
Strategically select a cloud model and optimize cloud resources.
3
Nurture and retain top talent
Integrate modern technologies and collaborate on tailored training programs.
4
Design human-centric technology
Involve end users early and invest in advanced technologies.
5
Innovate professional services with XaaS
Build robust infrastructure to foster a data-driven culture.
6
Effectively manage AI
Develop AI management capabilities and establish protocols for AI system audits.
7
Strategically & ethically adopt intelligent automation
Integrate intelligent automation and redesign processes.
8
Unlock intelligent information management's potential
Embrace intelligent information management and integrate IIM systems with existing infrastructure.
9
Strengthen cybersecurity practices
Build a robust risk management framework and strategic partnerships.
Strategize on the use of AI and ML
Challenge:
Overcome AI adoption roadblocks.
Why It Matters:
Elevate service quality and productivity with AI and ML.
Solution:
Institutionalize AI and ML technologies. Upskill employees on advanced tools.
1
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Build Your Generative AI Roadmap

LegalOn Case Study: AI for Contract Review

Identify Use Cases to Inform an AI Strategy for Professional Services
Embrace cloud technology
Challenge:
Navigate the cloud transition in professional services.
Why It Matters:
Harness scalability, flexibility, and security with the cloud.
Solution:
Strategically select a cloud model. Optimize cloud resources.
2
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Empower Your Business With a Proven Cloud Strategy
Nurture and retain top talent
Challenge:
Secure top talent in a competitive landscape.
Why It Matters:
Sustain excellence in professional services.
Solution:
Integrate modern technologies. Collaborate on tailored training programs.
3
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research
Design human-centric technology
Challenge:
Bridge the gap between technology and human interaction.
Why It Matters:
Boost productivity and satisfaction.
Solution:
Involve end users early. Invest in advanced technologies.
4
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Adopt Design Thinking in Your Organization

Build Your Exponential IT Product Practice

Define the Role of Project Management in Agile and Product-Centric Delivery
Innovate professional services with XaaS
Challenge:
Unlock real-time data for innovation.
Why It Matters:
Stay competitive and agile.
Solution:
Build robust infrastructure. Foster a data-driven culture.
5
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Build a Data Strategy for Professional Service Organizations

Build a Robust and Comprehensive Data Strategy
Effectively manage AI
Challenge:
Navigate the complexities of AI management.
Why It Matters:
Safeguard the technology services industry.
Solution:
Develop AI management capabilities. Establish protocols for AI system audits.
6
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Get Ready to Deliver AI Services

Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Overcome Resource Constraints and Technical Debt
Strategically & ethically adopt intelligent automation
Challenge:
Adopt automation for augmentation.
Why It Matters:
Enhance human capabilities and efficiencies.
Solution:
Integrate intelligent automation. Redesign processes.
7
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

Develop Your Value-First Business Process Automation Strategy
Unlock intelligent information management's potential
Challenge:
Master data for strategic advantage.
Why It Matters:
Drive business growth and competitiveness.
Solution:
Embrace intelligent information management. Integrate IIM systems with existing infrastructure.
8
Technology Research
Professional Services
Kassim Dossa
Research Director
Featured Research

The Future of the Technology Service Provider Industry

Build a Reporting and Analytical Insights Strategy

Define a Data Practice Strategy to Power an Autonomous Enterprise











