This IDC study offers a comprehensive analysis of the global business consulting market. Based on an analysis of consulting buyers' needs and behavior, market trends and imperatives, competitive landscape, pricing, and talent management dynamics, IDC expects worldwide business consulting spending to increase at a CAGR of 5.4% for 2008–2012. This study includes fact-based forecasts that suggest the areas (geographies and service lines) in which the drivers and growth of business consulting will be over the next five years.

"Our analysis indicates that, despite the current financial crisis, business consulting is poised for healthy growth during the forecast period. Demand slowdown in developed economies will be compensated for by robust demand growth in emerging economies where new industry leaders will become significant clients for business consulting services. At the same time, growing pressure for business model redefinition, acceleration of globalization, and speed to new markets will boost demand from Fortune 1000 companies, which are the traditional clients of business consulting in most industries," says Patrick Levy, program manager for Consulting Service Research at IDC.