Global Business Services Index 2026: Creating Competitive Advantage in an AI-Enabled World
Summary
The Global Business Services Index 2026 tracks 438 companies across 8 sectors and 16 sub-sectors. Industry performance rose to an index score of 122, up 4 points from FY24, despite geopolitical uncertainty, wage inflation and talent shortages. AI is moving from a productivity tool to a strategic advantage that shapes what firms sell and where they grow. The report closes with 3 priorities for FY26: build AI as a measured capability, differentiate through business model innovation, and strengthen resilience through disciplined execution.
Key Insights
- The business services industry scored 122 in FY25 (FY19 baseline of 100), a 4-point improvement over FY24.
- Digital and education, built environment, testing, inspection and certification, and legal services led growth.
- 50% of business services CEOs already have a defined road map for AI initiatives.
- AI leaders are 2x as likely as other companies to have AI scaled or embedded across the value chain.
- 55% of business services CEOs named keeping pace with tech and AI transformation as their greatest concern.
- 40% of business services workers expect AI to reduce entry-level positions.
- Common AI use cases include agent copilots in BPO, AI-enabled security monitoring, recruitment screening and decision-support tools.
- FY26 priorities: build AI as a strategic capability, differentiate through business model innovation, strengthen resilience.
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About the Author
Dr. Aliya Nur Balisani
Chief AI Officer and former NVIDIA AI Consultant specializing in enterprise AI strategy and digital transformation.
Dr. Aliya Nur Balisani is an AI leader focused on helping organizations adopt artificial intelligence in practical and profitable ways. With experience in enterprise AI strategy, automation, and emerging technologies, she provides insights on generative AI, autonomous systems, business transformation, and the future of intelligent enterprises.