The annual PwC Global CEO Survey, released at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, indicates a notable increase in CEOs' optimism about global economic growth over the next 12 months. The survey, which involved over 4,700 CEOs across 105 countries and territories, reveals that 38% of CEOs are optimistic about global economic prospects, up from 18% in the previous year. Moreover, the proportion of CEOs anticipating economic decline decreased from 73% in the previous survey to 45%.
Despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the percentage of CEOs feeling their companies are highly or extremely exposed to geopolitical conflict risk dropped to 18%, down 7 percentage points. However, nearly half of the CEOs do not believe their businesses will remain viable in a decade due to the acceleration of technological and climate pressures.
The survey highlights CEOs' positive outlook on generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for reinvention, fostering efficiency, innovation, and transformational change. Nevertheless, CEOs acknowledge the need for workforce upskilling to fully leverage the transformative benefits of generative AI.
PwC Global Chair Bob Moritz emphasizes the uncertainty CEOs face but notes their proactive approach to business transformation, technology investment, and climate transition management. He underscores the importance of accelerating the pace of reinvention for businesses to thrive and deliver sustained value.
(With Agency Inputs)
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