"Shared service centers emerged in the early 2000s as a stepping stone between fully in-house operations and an outsourced model. Companies would typically begin by transferring a function to the SSC to understand how much it costs and how it works. Over time, they might choose to divest that business or outsource the function outside the corporate group. Some SSCs have since evolved into service providers in their own right and entered the open market as independent players."

Dmitry Stapran

HBS graduate, Professor at Moscow State University, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and MGIMO University business schools, author of the book “Outsourcing and Corporate Boundaries: How to Outsource Safely and Build Trust with Partners

"Currently, the main reason businesses turn to outsourcing is that they face internal constraints on recruitment to replace leavers—while still needing to keep processes running. This strategy has proven successful: the outsourced functions continue to operate smoothly, the provider demonstrates drive and initiative, works proactively, and maintains regular communication. Our business relationship has developed into a true partnership."

CFO, Manufacturer and distributor of perfume and beauty products preferred not to disclose their personal or corporate identity

"Localized business processes and the need for alternatives to foreign solutions, including IT, have spurred demand for domestic outsourcing services. Cloud computing, automation, and cybersecurity solutions continue to gain traction in the IT domain. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly outsourcing their IT infrastructure. We’ve also observed marked growth in demand for outsourced office functions, driven by a shortage of skilled professionals—especially in IT, engineering, and marketing—as well as the need to delegate certain project-specific tasks that the in-house team is not large enough to cover. Businesses now tend to opt for hybrid work models, blending internal teams with outsourcers to enable more flexible workforce management."

Oleg Tkachenko

CEO, LANTA Talent Solutions

"The key benefits of outsourcing include fast handover, access to external expert knowledge and skills, readily available specialists, and the flexibility to adjust staffing levels to match the workloads without sacrificing cost efficiency. This takes our business performance to new heights. What really makes a difference is the synergy of a one-stop-shop model, where consultants from related fields work together under one roof. It simplifies information sharing and makes collaboration more efficient. Prior experience with international clients is also a big plus, as it gives providers valuable insight into cross-border operations and allows them to offer more relevant and informed advice."

CFO, Manufacturer and distributor of perfume and beauty products preferred not to disclose their personal or corporate identity

"Fears about outsourcing may be partly attributed to a general lack of trust in business. The last Edelman Trust Barometer survey covering Russia reveals that in 2022 it ranked lowest among the 28 countries surveyed, with only 34% reporting trust in business, compared to an average of 61%. Without trust, it’s really hard to go for outsourcing. The good news is that trust in business[4] has grown quite a bit over the last few years, hitting 63% according to a recent survey by the National Agency for Financial Studies (NAFI).[5]"

Dmitry Stapran

Dr. Sci. (Econ.), HBS graduate, Professor at Moscow State University, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and MGIMO University business schools, author of the book

"In 2025, the national outsourcing market is set to continue its growth trajectory in terms of both the range of services and digital reach through platform solutions—aiming to improve client-provider interaction, streamline HR processes, and enhance communication and project team management."

Tatiana Baskina

Deputy CEO, ANCOR Group