2026 Consulting Firm Trend Report

CONSULTING BUYERS ARE INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED, MORE SELECTIVE, AND FAR LESS PATIENT THAN THEY USED TO BE. BRAND ALONE NO LONGER CARRIES THE DEAL; CLARITY, SPEED, AND PROOF DO. THIS REPORT EXAMINES THE SHIFTS REDEFINING HOW CONSULTING FIRMS COMPETE IN 2026 — FROM PRICING AND TALENT TO DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIPS — AND SHOWS LEADERS HOW TO TURN MARKET PRESSURE INTO A DISTINCT ADVANTAGE.