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      Accelerate AI with managed services

      To bridge the gap between innovation and execution, companies are turning to managed services to quickly unlock the value of artificial intelligence (AI).

      Going beyond simple cost-cutting, the model is helping leaders bypass tech debt and talent gaps to scale AI for digital transformation.

      Learn more in the latest KPMG Managed Services Outlook Survey, featuring research and analysis by the International Data Corporation (IDC), which explores this and other shifts in the market’s approach to managed services.

      Key highlights

      Standing still is the real risk in today's fast-moving tech world. The right managed services offer a direct path forward, combining deep expertise with your business needs to deliver tangible value and quick results.

      Rupert Chamberlain

      Partner, Head of Managed Services, Hong Kong SAR

      KPMG China

      Observations on market trends

      The survey shows that progressive companies use managed services as a strategic engine for rapid innovation. Among the key topics:

      A new defining trait for managed services

      The model now stands apart from other kinds of outsourcing, and AI acceleration is a key reason. Managed services provide the specialised teams and tech enabling buyers to outpace competitors.

      A priority investment

      Managed services is now a strategic focus for 99 percent of organisations, with almost half putting it at the very top of their list for investment.

      Beyond cost savings

      In addition to improving cost and efficiency, companies use AI-enabled managed services to drive strategic imperatives like growth, resilience, technology innovation, and sustained transformation.

      Building trust in the age of AI

      Buyers’ top two areas of investment are AI management and cybersecurity, and another is regulatory compliance. These priorities reflect a broader drive toward stakeholder trust as a business enabler. 

      Your agenda for acceleration

      To move fast and stay resilient, modern companies are using managed services to translate AI from a talking point to strategic advantage. Will you be one of them? See key considerations in the report. 

      Download the report
      To compete effectively, speed and constant innovation are key. Managed services provides the essential AI driven transformation and operational support, allowing businesses to easily adopt and scale with new technologies to stay ahead.

      Stephen Walsh

      Director, Managed Services

      KPMG China

      About the research

      The KPMG Managed Services Outlook 2026 is based on a survey of 1,224 senior leaders at large global organisations who are directly involved in managed services decision‑making. The survey covers 12 countries, with representation balanced across key regions: 40 percent from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); 27 percent from Asia-Pacific (ASPAC); and 33 percent from the Americas.

      Respondents span 11 major industries, including asset management; banking and capital markets; energy, utilities, and natural resources; food, drink, and consumer packaged goods; healthcare (payer and provider); insurance; industrial manufacturing; life sciences; retail; and technology, media, and telecommunications.

      All organisations surveyed report annual revenues above US$100 million, with the majority falling between US$1-10 billion.

      In addition to the quantitative survey, this report incorporates qualitative insights from IDC, including perspectives drawn from in‑depth interviews with ten additional senior leaders, enriching the analysis with practical, real‑world context.

      Our insights

      Modern Managed Services accelerate business transformation
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      Discover how companies use modern managed services to move beyond cost savings alone to deliver strategic outcomes like resilience, trust, and growth.
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      How KPMG member firms use GenAI in managed services to help enhance client outcomes.
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      Contact us

      Rupert Chamberlain
      Rupert Chamberlain

      Partner, Head of Managed Services

      Hong Kong SAR

      KPMG China

      Stephen Walsh
      Stephen Walsh

      Director, Managed Services

      KPMG China

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