We live in times of rapid change, growing uncertainty, and disruptive technologies. According to the World Economic Forum, the global job market is being reshaped. By the end of this decade, 92 million jobs will be replaced while 170 million new jobs will be created. In this scenario, many organizations get lost in misdirected deliverables, rushed decisions, and initiatives that fail to generate the expected value.
Many companies are investing in AI without knowing how to do it effectively. Studies from RAND Corporation show that over 80% of AI projects fail, mainly due to a disconnect between leadership and technical teams. As with other tech trends like Big Data and Blockchain, these investments often lack clarity of purpose and alignment with real business needs.
But there is an antidote to this reality: structured, collaborative, and outcome-driven practices. In other words, Business Analysis.
Analysis is Everywhere
I’ve seen many professionals experience an identity crisis when they look at their job descriptions and say: “I do much more than that. If I only did what’s listed, the business wouldn’t function.” They do what needs to be done. Before action, there is always analysis.
You may not hold the formal title of “business analyst,” but if you’ve helped your business make a better decision, mapped a process, understood a need, or structured a solution to create more value, you’ve already practiced business analysis.
The challenge is that many people don’t recognize this. There’s growing demand for analytical skills — but little clarity about the role of the business analyst. According to the IIBA Global State of Business Analysis Report 2024, 62% of professionals performing typical business analysis tasks do not have the formal title of “Business Analyst.” This confusion between job title and role weakens the collective identity as business analysts.
Learn more about this distinction in Professional Business Analyst vs. Business Analysis Professional
Business Analysis Professionals: The Identity We Need to Embrace
The world needs more people who think clearly, act with purpose, and base their decisions on outcomes, not just outputs. That’s the core role of business analysis. And it shouldn’t be limited to a department or a specific job title. It’s needed everywhere. We need administrators doing business analysis. Lawyers, logistics operators, nurses, HR professionals, executive assistants, and C-levels — anyone with an outcome-oriented mindset should identify as a business analysis professional.
If you work to understand the problem before proposing the solution, if you help translate needs into requirements, if you promote alignment between strategy and operations — congratulations. You are a business analysis professional.
The False Threat of AI and the Real Opportunity
Much is said about the risk of artificial intelligence replacing us. But the truth is, AI needs guidance. It needs the right problems to solve. It needs clarity of purpose. It needs people who can translate business goals into natural language. It needs business analysis.
A Gartner report states that by 2026, over 80% of companies will use or develop generative AI models, APIs, or applications. And the investments required to apply AI in business must be guided by well-defined, clear requirements.
Moreover, automation doesn’t necessarily eliminate jobs — it transforms them. The 170 million new jobs forecasted by the World Economic Forum will demand exactly the kind of skills developed and applied by business analysis professionals: critical thinking, empathy, collaboration, and holistic vision.
The outcome-driven mindset and ability to foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders are more relevant than ever. If we can show this to the world, we will become the most valued professionals of the new era.
From Analyst to Transformation Leader
It’s time to abandon the mistaken belief that business analysts will be replaced by AI. What’s being replaced is the limited view that business analysis is just a job title. What’s emerging is a new understanding: everyone can — and should — practice business analysis.
Whatever your title, area, or background, adopting business analysis practices will make you more relevant, more strategic, and more valuable to your team and organization. And if you’re already a business analyst by title, take the lead and be the change agent: spread the practices of business analysis, share your knowledge, and help others see themselves in this role. By doing so, you not only expand the reach and impact of business analysis but also strengthen your position as a strategic reference within your organization. Instead of being a bottleneck, you become a facilitator and mentor, building a more capable, influential, and business-aligned network — opening new growth opportunities for your own career.
Make a Difference — Promote Business Analysis
Let’s build this new identity together. Let’s help more people see themselves as business analysis professionals. Let’s expand our sphere of influence, strengthen our profession, and transform the organizations where we work.
The world needs business analysis. And that transformation starts with you.
References
- World Economic Forum: Future of Jobs Report 2025: The Jobs of the Future – and the Skills You Need to Get Them.
- RAND Corporation: The Root Causes of Failure for Artificial Intelligence Projects and How They Can Succeed.
- IIBA – International Institute of Business Analysis: Global State of Business Analysis Report 2024.
- Gartner: Top Emerging Tech Impact Radar 2024.
