Whitepaper
Artificial Intelligence
The analyst research industry is at a pivotal moment. Economic uncertainty persists, while artificial intelligence is sharping how firms operate and how clients access and evaluate insight.
In 2025, firms primarily viewed AI as a productivity enabler, with 70% seeing it as more of an opportunity than a threat. This year, concern about competition from AI-powered, low-cost research alternatives has almost doubled, reflecting growing pressure from clients using self-service tools for basic analysis.
At the same time, just under three quarters of firms place themselves in the middle of the AI adoption curve, actively experimenting but still learning what delivers real value.
Economic uncertainty remains a key challenge, while expectations around AI-enabled discovery and faster access to insight continue to rise.
We surveyed 35 senior leaders at analyst research firms of all sizes to understand their priorities, challenges, and plans for 2026.
29% of respondents were CEOs or Founders. 34% were Directors or Heads of Research. The remaining 37% held senior roles across Strategy, Product Management, and Marketing.
Their responses were an insight into an industry in transition, balancing optimism about AI’s potential with practical realities of adoption, increasing competition, and the enduring importance of human expertise and client relationships.
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