If you're leading a field services organization today, you're facing some tough challenges. Scaling operations while maintaining high service quality and ensuring data security isn't easy, especially when resources are stretched thin. Strategic partnerships and gig economy workers might offer a solution, but how do you tap into that potential without compromising quality?

That’s precisely what TSIA’s Research Journey, The Evolution of Field Services, is here to help you figure out. At the core of this Research Journey, we’re answering one key question: How can field service organizations like yours grow and scale through strategic partnerships and gig economy models, without sacrificing quality, intellectual property, or data security? 

So, jump in as we:

• Define the Problem: We begin by identifying what is holding field services back from scalable, secure growth.
• Launch Discovery: Through polls, surveys, and interviews, we gather real-world data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the whole picture.
• Develop the Theory: Our analysts turn those insights into practical frameworks and actionable guidance.
• Guide the Industry: We tie everything back to measurable results to help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.

By joining this Research Journey, you’ll stay in the loop at every stage. You’ll also have the chance to contribute your perspective, learn from your peers, and be the first to access findings that can transform how your organization approaches field services strategy.

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Define the Problem: Why Strategic Partnerships in Field Services Are So Hard To Get Right

If you're leading a field services organization, you're likely facing a familiar challenge: rising demand for on-site services paired with a shrinking pool of skilled technicians. Scaling your operations while maintaining service quality, protecting customer data, and preserving intellectual property isn’t easy, and that’s precisely where strategic partnerships come into the picture.

Many companies are turning to third-party resources and gig economy workers to fill talent gaps and support expansion into new markets. But, leveraging these partnerships effectively is easier said than done. Without a clear strategy, your organization risks:

• Overworked internal teams and inconsistent service delivery.
• Loss of control over sensitive customer data and proprietary processes.
• Missed opportunities to scale into new geographies.
• Creating or empowering a future competitor. 

This isn’t just a staffing problem—it’s a strategic one.

What’s Driving This Challenge?

Two major forces are fueling the pressure:

• The “silver tsunami”: An aging workforce and wave of retirements is depleting the technician talent pool.
• Rapid technological change: New technologies emerge, making it challenging for internal teams to stay current with constant reskilling.

As a result, field services organizations across various industries—such as industrial equipment manufacturing, healthcare technology, enterprise IT, and technology services—are finding themselves increasingly dependent on external partners to meet demand.

Why It Matters Now

Failing to address this challenge doesn’t just slow your growth. It puts your business at risk. When strategic partnerships are mismanaged, the consequences are real:

• Service quality declines.
• Customer satisfaction takes a hit.
• Security vulnerabilities increase.
• Your competitive advantage weakens.

And perhaps most critically, you risk training short-term resources who may one day become your competitors.

TSIA’s Evolution of Field Services Research Journey is here to help you change that. This research offers the frameworks and insights you need to build strategic partnerships that work—ones that help you scale confidently while maintaining the high standards your customers expect.

Related: The Evolution of Field Services: Why a Hybrid Workforce is the Future

How This Research Journey Works

As you explore new ways to scale your field services organization through strategic partnerships and gig economy resources, it's essential to know how this Research Journey will unfold and how you can benefit by taking part. At TSIA, we’re not just researching in a vacuum. We're designing this journey to be collaborative, practical, and focused on delivering insights you can act on.

Here’s how we’ll approach the research and how you’ll be involved along the way:

• Step 1: Quick Polls to kick things off: We’ll start with brief polls to gather your initial thoughts and real-world experiences. These quick questions help us understand where your organization stands and identify trends worth digging into.
• Step 2: In-depth survey for deeper insights: Next, we’ll invite you to participate in a more detailed survey. This step enables us to capture the complexities of your resource strategies—how you’re utilizing third-party partners today, where the friction points lie, and what success looks like in your context.
• Step 3: Continuous engagement and shared learning: Throughout the journey, you’ll get access to key findings and expert insights as they’re uncovered. Expect regular updates through blogs, webinars, and executive interviews—all leading up to a comprehensive reveal at our TSIA World ENVISION conference.

This isn’t just research for research’s sake. It’s a practical exploration designed to help you rethink the utilization of field services, improve resource management, and scale with confidence. Your participation makes it stronger.

Related: Introducing the TSIA Research Journey: The Evolution of Field Services

What You’ll Gain From Joining This Research Journey

When you participate in TSIA’s Evolution of Field Services Research Journey, you’re not just contributing to industry research—you’re gaining insights and tools to transform how your organization scales, manages partnerships, and taps into flexible workforce models. Here’s what’s in it for you:

Actionable Insights You Can Use

You’ll uncover the key trends, challenges, and innovations shaping field services today. Learn what’s working across the industry—and what’s not—so you can make more informed decisions for your team.

Guidance That Goes Beyond the Basics

We’ll share both reactive and proactive strategies to help you evaluate and measure third-party partners and gig economy resources. From performance benchmarks to resource allocation tips, you’ll get support you can apply immediately.

A Strategic Framework Built for Scale

At the heart of this Research Journey is a framework that helps you:

• Evaluate and manage strategic partners effectively.
• Identify best practices for using third-party resources.
• Leverage gig economy talent without compromising quality or security.

By joining the journey, you're setting your organization up for smarter, more sustainable growth. You’ll gain the insights needed to confidently scale your field services operations, while maintaining the high standards your customers expect.

This is your chance to help shape the future of field services—and benefit from the collective knowledge of industry leaders along the way.

Related: Gig Economy Use in Field Service