Digitalization as an Opportunity for the Development of Consulting Firms

Abstract

Based on in-depth interview research conducted in Northeastern Hungary during the 2020–21 pandemic, I examine how well consultants were able to meet new challenges in the world of digitalization—an era defined by smart systems and artificial intelligence (AI)—and whether their clients are open to new approaches. I also investigate how digitalization impacts the tasks performed by consulting firms and the evolution of their costs. Our survey reveals that a significant proportion of consultants are open to providing services digitally and are eager to adopt new methods for acquiring and organizing knowledge. They believe digitalization affects their daily activities and task execution—significantly streamlining them—as well as the development of their services and their cost structures. Although none of the interviewees questioned the reliability of the digital environment created through ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools, clients are far less open than consultants to accessing advisory services in a digital format; they place great importance on personal interaction and consider physical contact and non-verbal communication essential.interaction and consider physical contact and non-verbal

communication essential.

communication essential.