A new global survey from professional services group PwC paints a cautious picture for business leaders worldwide. Released on Monday, the annual study reveals that only three in ten chief executives feel confident about their companies' revenue growth prospects over the next year. This marks the lowest confidence level recorded in the past five years.
CEOs Grapple with Multiple Uncertainties
The survey gathered insights from over 4,000 CEOs across 95 countries and territories late last year. It highlights the significant challenges these leaders currently face. Many are grappling with uncertainty stemming from global political developments. Increased cyber threats also weigh heavily on their minds. Additionally, CEOs are deeply concerned about the implications of rapid technological change for their businesses.
One in five CEOs reported that their companies are highly exposed to potential losses from trade tariffs. A third of the leaders identified cyber risk as a major threat to their operations. However, an even larger share—42 percent—expressed worry about the pace of technological change and its impact on their organizations.
Artificial Intelligence: A Central Concern and a Clear Divide
The survey concluded that the biggest question occupying CEOs' thoughts is whether they are transforming quickly enough to keep up with technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. The findings reveal a sharp and telling divide between companies already benefiting from AI and those that are not.
More than half of the CEOs—56 percent—said they have seen no financial benefit from AI adoption to date. In contrast, 33 percent reported gains in either cost savings or revenue increases. The remaining respondents stated that AI has delivered benefits in both cost reduction and revenue growth for their companies.
PwC provided separate analysis to contextualize these results. It showed that companies applying AI widely across their products, services, and customer experiences are benefiting the most. This stands in stark contrast to the lesser benefits observed in organizations that are still merely experimenting with the technology.
AI is Here to Stay
PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Kande addressed these findings during a news conference on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He emphasized the permanence and necessity of artificial intelligence in the modern business landscape.
"It is working and it is here to stay," Kande stated firmly. "AI is now a must for companies around the world to adopt. The question is no longer if, but how."
The survey, along with Kande's remarks, underscores a critical moment for global business. While confidence in near-term growth has dipped to a five-year low, the pressure to adapt to technological change, particularly through effective AI integration, has never been greater. The divide in AI benefits suggests that strategic, widespread implementation may be key to future success.
