2026 Annual Study · Platform Benchmark
Unlocking the Potential of the Independent & Freelance Workforce
How the solutions ecosystem is built, delivered, and differentiated — and where it still misses what enterprises are asking for.
A joint study
Why this study exists
As demand for independent talent accelerates, the ecosystem of solutions providers — platforms, MSPs, EORs, compliance firms, and advisory partners — is evolving rapidly to meet the needs of both enterprises and independent professionals. But misalignment between enterprise expectations and provider capabilities keeps creating inefficiency and missed opportunity.
This survey is written specifically for solutions providers and ecosystem partners, to understand how services are structured, delivered, and differentiated in the market. It explores how providers handle compliance, talent sourcing, engagement models, and workforce visibility, and where the gaps, innovation opportunities, and emerging best practices are.
By gathering insight directly from the people building and delivering these solutions, the research defines what "good" looks like in enabling independent work at scale — shaping a more cohesive ecosystem and helping providers align with market needs and grow market share.
What it covers
6 sections · 29 questions · answer in one sitting or come back to it
- 01Organization Profile4
- 02Enterprise Readiness4
- 03Enterprise Sourcing Partnerships & RFP Opportunities5
- 04Compliance & Governance5
- 05Technology, Integrations & Operations7
- 06Future Outlook4
What you get back
See the buyer side of the table
Your copy of the report includes the enterprise responses — what buyers say they need, next to what providers say they offer.
Find the gap you can win on
Where enterprise requirements have moved fastest, and which capabilities actually decide a deal.
Price your roadmap against the market
What comparable providers are investing in over the next two years, and what they consider table stakes.
Respondents receive a copy of the report, including buyer responses, before it is published globally.
For the people building the ecosystem
- Founders & CEOs
- Freelancer platforms & talent marketplaces
- Agent of Record (AOR)
- Employer of Record (EOR)
- Compliance providers
- MSPs & workforce technology
Buy or manage flexible talent inside an enterprise?
The other half of the study surveys how enterprises adopt and govern independent talent.
Add your data to the record.
29 questions, 8–10 minutes, anonymous. Respondents receive a copy of the report, including buyer responses, before it is published globally.
Take the survey