As organizations accelerate digital transformation and confront widening skills gaps, external workers—once seen primarily as a cost-containment measure—are now a strategic source of agility, innovation, and expertise, giving businesses the competitive edge they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
External talent already represents a significant share of the labor: about 20% in the UK and 40% in the U.S., with projections reaching 50% globally by 2050. This surge reflects the growing demand for specialized skills and flexible cost structures.
A new global study sponsored by SAP and conducted by Economist Impact captures this shift. Drawing on insights from more than 2,000 C-suite executives across industries, the report, “From Cost to Capability: Redefining External Workforce Strategy in 2025,” reveals how the external workforce is evolving from a transactional resource into a core capability that drives adaptability and resilience in the AI era.
The findings underscore a critical imperative: organizations must rethink how they engage talent, integrate technology, and foster collaboration across procurement, HR, and finance to unlock the full potential of external workers.
Read the full post and access the study on the SAP News Center.