Information Technology Consulting Practice: A Literature Review of Digital Transformation, Strategic Value, and Emerging Professional Roles
TL;DR
A narrative literature review focused on changes in the practices of IT consulting in the period of 2016-2026 and discusses scholarly literature concerning digital transformation, consulting competencies, value generation, service innovations, and emerging roles in the consulting profession.
Abstract
Information technology consulting has changed from a technical assistance activity to a strategic profession helping organizations to transform digitally, innovate organizationally, and gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cybersecurity, enterprise platforms, and digital service management have considerably broadened the field and duties of IT consultants. Thus, consultants are increasingly expected to combine technological knowledge with strategic decision making, organizational change management, and business process improvements. This paper discusses a narrative literature review focused on changes in the practices of IT consulting in the period of 2016-2026. This review discusses scholarly literature concerning digital transformation, consulting competencies, value generation, service innovations, and emerging roles in the consulting profession. In contrast to a descriptive literature review, this research critically contrasts existing perspectives on the subject, finds converging and divergent opinions, and points at research gaps which define the area. Special attention will be paid to changes in the strategic function of IT consultants, to competencies necessary for organizational digital transformations, and to new technologies such as AI in consulting. Narrative review methodology is made clear through the discussion of how the literature was searched for, what were the criteria for choosing the papers to be included in this paper, and how the process of selecting those papers took place. It has been found that IT consultants in today’s world are seen as strategic partners who enable technological innovation, organizational resilience, and digital transformation of businesses, and not only provide technical solutions. While there have been great advancements in this area, many issues need to be resolved in relation to consulting ethics, AI governance, digital trust, sustainability, and competency development.