Submit RFP

      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. 

      Download the report
      In the race for agentic AI, the biggest risk isn’t making a mistake — it’s standing still. The best managed services offer a fast path forward by combining tech expertise with a deep understanding of your business. This model is a way to bypass ‘planning paralysis’ and start getting ROI on day one.

      Ron Walker

      Global Head of Managed Services, KPMG International

      Principal, Advisory, KPMG in the US

      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

      See how companies use managed services for digital transformation and long-term return on cloud investments
      Read more

      How business leaders can tackle complex vendor risk landscapes efficiently.
      Read more

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

      Timely insights to help you drive transformation, build resilience, and seize new growth opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
      Read more

      Our people

      Ron Walker
      Ron Walker

      Global Head, Managed Services, KPMG International and Principal, Advisory

      KPMG in the U.S.

      CoryKrutis
      Cory Krutis

      Principal, Advisory, Managed Services, KPMG US and Americas Regional Managed Services Lead

      KPMG in the U.S.

      JasperWulp
      Jasper van der Wulp

      Partner, Advisory, KPMG NL and EMA Regional Managed Services Lead

      KPMG in the Netherlands

      KarlieLytas
      Karlie Lytas

      Partner in Charge – Managed Services & KDN, Consulting, KPMG AU and South ASPAC Cluster Managed Services Lead

      KPMG Australia