The consulting industry is rapidly growing and is expected to continue to expand and evolve. Globalization in the consulting services industry is gaining momentum due to rapid growth in internet penetration, advancements in data security, and automation of consultancy processes.
Consulting Trends
There are several trends that we can expect to see in the consulting industry in the years to come.
- There will be an increasing focus on data and analytics. Companies will need help sorting through the vast amounts of data that they are collecting, and consultants will be well-positioned to provide this service.
- There is a growing demand for digital marketing services. As businesses become more reliant on the internet, they will need help with things like website design, SEO, and social media marketing.
- A continued focus on human resources management. With the rise of the gig economy, companies are increasingly relying on contractors and freelancers. They need help managing these workers, and HR consultants are well-positioned to offer this service.
- Overall economic growth is expected to drive downstream business revenue, bolstering industry revenue growth. Anticipated growth in corporate profit is expected to increase business budgets, enabling companies to heighten spending on consulting services.
- Companies are expected to increase their labor forces and expand investment in new facilities and operating capacity. The investment will likely boost demand for process and operations management consulting, corporate strategy consulting, and organizational design consulting.
- The continued development and adoption of other key technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, robotics, and 5G is also expected to drive demand for technology consulting.
- Increased interest in green technologies and emissions reductions are expected to drive related Environmental consulting demand from both government and private sector entities.
Consulting Industry Overview
According to recent data, the consulting industry is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% over the next five years, reaching $282 billion. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the need for businesses to embrace new technology services, the globalization of business, and the rising demand for consultants in the public sector.
The consulting industry is also becoming increasingly competitive, with many consulting firms entering the market each year. This competitive landscape is forcing consulting firms to become more innovative and specialized in their offerings.
The future of the consulting industry looks bright, with continued growth expected in the years to come. Businesses of all sizes are beginning to recognize the value that consultants bring, and this trend is likely to continue in the years to come. As the consulting services industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovation and specialization in the field.
Other key statistics include:
- Corporate strategy and organizational consulting are the largest service segments of the industry
- Financial planning services clients are the largest market for the industry, making up a quarter of the industry’s revenue
- There are over 900,000 consulting firms in the U.S.
- The industry is highly fragmented and primarily consists of small companies. Over 85% of the industry’s revenue comes from these small businesses.
Industry Growth
There are many reasons for the growth of the consulting services industry. Rapid changes in technology, the globalization of businesses, and the rise of the knowledge economy are all contributing factors. As companies face greater competition and complexity, they are increasingly turning to consultants to help them navigate these challenges.
The consulting industry is also becoming more specialized. There are now consultants who specialize in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, and human resources. This specialization is helping to drive the growth of the industry.
There are many opportunities for career growth in the consulting industry. Consultants can move up the ranks to become partners or senior executives. They can also move between consulting firms, or start their own consulting firms.