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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 IDC, which explores this and other shifts in the market’s approach to managed services.


      Key highlights

      In today’s AI-driven landscape, organizations operate in an environment where speed, adaptability, and continuous innovation are prerequisites for competitiveness. Managed services provide the operational backbone that enables enterprises to adopt and scale emerging technologies.

      Bill Latshaw

      IDC Analyst

      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 specialized teams and tech enabling buyers to outpace competitors.

      A priority investment

      Managed services is now a strategic focus for 99 percent of organizations, 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. 

      Cost savings are now just the starting point for managed services. The research makes it clear that leading companies use AI-enabled managed services to speed up innovation, strengthen resilience and build stakeholder trust. For our market, that means thinking of managed services not as outsourcing, but as a long term transformation partnership that keeps your business competitive as AI evolves.

      Mika Laaksonen

      Partner, Management Consulting

      KPMG in Finland

      About the research

      The KPMG Managed Services Outlook 2026 is based on a survey of 1,224 senior leaders at large global organizations 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 organizations 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

      Explore how organizations navigate today’s emerging tech — and prepare for what’s next.

      Building trust and enabling innovation in a dynamic world

      Read our report to learn how agentic AI solutions can revolutionize your organization's operations and productivity.

      How a new era of intelligent agents is redefining business transformation.

      How KPMG can help

      We develop and deliver customised technology solutions in collaboration with our clients, solving various types of problems and automating business processes.

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      Our cyber experts can help you to protect your future.

      Achieving future competitiveness today

      Our people

      Mika Laaksonen
      Mika Laaksonen

      Partner, Management Consulting

      KPMG in Finland

      Jan Nyström
      Jan Nyström

      Partner, Business Transformations

      KPMG in Finland

      Mika Iivari
      Mika Iivari

      Partner, Cyber Advisory

      KPMG in Finland