Top 50 IT Services Companies in France 2025

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Between Economic Slowdown and Structural Change, ESNs at a Crossroads

The study published by Numeum and KPMG France describes an unfavorable environment, where economic tensions and weak demand weigh on activity.

• 42 % of companies anticipate a genuine pickup in the first half of 2026.

• 85 % identify macroeconomic risks and weak demand as the main brakes on growth.

This situation marks a break with the years of rapid digital expansion. It highlights the need for the sector to rethink its economic foundations and its sources of added value.

Recomposition of the Value Proposition

The study emphasizes a deep evolution of the business model of digital service providers.
CIOs, now seeking sustainable partners, prioritize quality and relevance of the value delivered rather than the volume of services.

Performance is increasingly measured across three dimensions:

• innovation capacity,

• technical and methodological competence,

• social and environmental responsibility of players.

This redefinition of the client-provider relationship marks a shift toward a strategic partnership model rather than an operational one.

Generative Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Engine

Generative AI is emerging as the primary lever of opportunity for firms in the sector.

• 81 % identify it as the leading growth driver, ahead of digital transformation (58 %) and cybersecurity (56 %).

• 72 % already integrate it into their production (delivery) processes and 67 % into their administrative functions.

• Nearly half of companies have internal AI skills, confirming a rapid and durable integration of this technology.

AI thus becomes a structuring factor in the repositioning of French digital strategy, combining technological innovation with cost rationalization.

Human Resources: Upskilling and New Expectations

The transition toward value-based models goes hand in hand with a reconfiguration of talent needs.
The most sought-after profiles include:

• digital transformation consulting (19 % of stated needs),

• cloud specialists (17 %),

• cybersecurity experts (9 %).

Retention levers reflect a shift in priorities:

• compensation remains decisive (63 %),

• career progression and project opportunities account for 18 %,

• flexibility and work-life balance for 14 %.

These figures reflect a sought-after balance between financial attractiveness and the quality of working conditions.

Environmental Responsibility: A Structuring Criterion

Environmental responsibility is establishing itself as an essential dimension of performance.

• 79 % of companies set themselves targets to reduce their carbon footprint.

• 67 % of large enterprises already consider environmental impact when selecting their providers.

• Nearly a third aim for carbon neutrality by 2030.

Sustainability thus becomes a competitive differentiator as much as a regulatory and reputational constraint.

Methodology:
The study is established from data collected by Numeum and KPMG during the second quarter of 2025, from a representative sample of nearly 200 ESN and ICT firms of all sizes, based in France. The information was gathered via an online questionnaire addressing topics such as growth strategy, talent management, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, and innovation.

Data declared, including those relating to units, have been corrected in case of evident errors.