AI Dividend in Consulting: Some Thoughts About the Implications of AI Usage on the Financial Model of Consulting Firms
摘要
Consulting firms not only help other organizations implement changes in their business models but sometimes need to do so with their own models as well. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be such a trigger. AI can lead to a more efficient working style and, with a constant workload, to changes in the personnel pyramid, narrowing its typical broad base and reducing the so-called leverage. This change ultimately affects the financial model of a consulting firm. The efficiency gain depicted here can be termed the “AI dividend.” In monetary terms and in conservatively designed simulations, it can—all other things being equal—reach a mid to high single-digit percentage of the (previous) fee volume. The AI dividend can benefit either the supply or demand side, with the former appearing more likely based on past observations. However, adjustments to the financial and business models are necessary in several areas in this case.