SPI Research opens 2026 AI benchmark survey for professional services

SPI Research has launched its third annual study of AI’s impact on professional services, aiming to measure whether adoption is improving delivery, productivity, client outcomes and financial performance. The confidential survey is open through Sept. 15 and takes about 10 minutes to complete, with participants receiving the full report by email.

Why it matters: - Professional services firms are under pressure to prove whether AI is delivering measurable business results, not just experimentation. - SPI Research’s 2026 benchmark is designed to give leaders a year-over-year view of where AI is creating value and where expectations are still ahead of outcomes. - The findings are intended to help firms compare themselves with peers, prioritize investments and assess how the market is moving from pilots to structured deployment. - Existing SPI Research customers will get an updated AI lens on the operational and financial benchmarks they already use. - Technology partners will get evidence on the capabilities, risks and outcomes professional services organizations are prioritizing.

What happened: - SPI Research opened participation in the third annual Impact of AI in Professional Services Benchmark Survey on July 22, 2026. - The independent study will examine whether growing AI investment is translating into better professional services delivery, workforce productivity, client outcomes and financial performance. - Professional services executives, operational leaders and technology decision-makers are invited to complete the confidential survey. - The survey takes about 10 minutes. - Qualified participants will receive the complete 2026 research report when it is published. - The survey remains open until Sept. 15. - Participants can complete the survey here. - Organizations can contact SPI Research at info@spiresearch.com to discuss the research, request a briefing or explore how the findings relate to their performance.

The details: - The 2026 study builds on SPI Research’s 2024 and 2025 research to provide a consistent view of AI adoption across professional services organizations. - The survey will assess where AI is producing demonstrable value, where expectations are still ahead of results and how agentic AI is changing operating models. - The research will look at how organizations are using AI in service delivery, resource management, knowledge work, client engagement and business operations. - The study also will examine strategic priorities, implementation risks and performance expectations shaping investment decisions. - All responses will be kept confidential and analyzed only in aggregate. - Findings will be segmented, where the response base allows, by organization size, sector and geography. - The survey will gather evidence on where AI is improving performance and where anticipated benefits have not yet been realized. - It will also examine the leadership priorities, opportunities, risks and operating changes that matter most to executives. - The research will analyze how AI adoption relates to service delivery performance, resource utilization, client satisfaction and profitability.

Between the lines: - The study reflects a broader push in professional services to separate AI hype from operational proof. - SPI Research is framing the project around performance metrics, which suggests the market is moving beyond adoption counts and toward return on investment. - The inclusion of agentic AI signals that firms are starting to evaluate more advanced automation, not just basic productivity tools. - The results could help show whether AI is changing core operating models or still living mostly in pilot projects.

What's next: - SPI Research will publish the full 2026 report after the survey closes. - Respondents will get the report directly by email. - The research may offer a clearer picture of which AI use cases are scaling and which remain experimental as professional services firms refine their investment plans.