Companies will return to using outsourcing to recapture innovation and provide flexibility in 2010 versus simply saving money, but global economic uncertainty will continue to impact the industry, according to year-end predictions by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).

“Coming off a year of tremendous pressure, the outsourcing industry is expected to enter the next decade with positive signs of rebounding,” said IAOP Chairman Michael Corbett. “As companies recover from these tough economic times, outsourcing will enable them to emerge as leaders in the new global economy.”

Here are the top 10 trends to watch for in 2010 from IAOP:

1. Delayed Deals Get the Green Light

The economic downturn over the past 12 to 18 months put many outsourcing deals on hold. Companies are now forging ahead with renewed confidence in the stability and growth of economic markets.

“Although pricing will continue to be under pressure, outsourcing deals that were frozen will begin working their way through the sourcing and RFP process, leading to some significant new outsourcing activity in 2010,” said Danny Ertel, Certified Outsourcing Professional®, (COP), partner of Vantage Partners and chairman of IAOP’s Governance Chapter.

2. Desperately Seeking Value

The tremendous pricing pressure on outsourcing deals renegotiated in 2008-09 will lead some companies to realize that deep pricing cuts have damaged relationships and the business value that outsourcing brings. Providers and customers will re-negotiate contracts more collaboratively to regain innovation and flexibility and enhance total value.

3. Flexibility to Get Out of Contracts

With uncertainly still surrounding the economy, companies will hesitate to make long-term commitments with outsourcing service providers because of the fear of the unknown.

“The looming economic uncertainty will lead customers to seek shorter term contracts, inflation indexing, currency exchange protection and volume band relief,” predicts Jagdish Dalal, COP, IAOP’s managing director of thought leadership.

4. Uncertainty Leads to Consolidation

Global economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations and other market forces will encourage increasing levels of mergers and acquisitions on a global basis. This consolidation of outsourcing providers will drive higher value services and continue to put pressure on other players to be more strategic in their offerings.

5. Outsourcing Hiring Return

Expect to see growth in new graduate hiring in emerging outsourcing locations as well as wage increases of 8 to 10 percent in India and many other Asia Pacific locations, while the U.S and Western Europe will see much smaller raises. The wage increases will pressure margins.