A recent global survey conducted by PwC, which included insights from over 4,400 CEOs across 109 countries, reveals a significant increase in executive optimism about economic growth for 2025, with nearly 60% expressing positive expectations, up from 38% in 2024.

The survey also highlighted that 56% of CEOs reported efficiency gains from Generative AI (GenAI), and 32% noted revenue increases over the past year, with 49% expecting further profitability boosts in the next 12 months.

Despite this optimism, only 34% of CEOs achieved the anticipated profitability gains from GenAI, indicating a gap between expectation and reality, as this figure is down from 46% in 2024.

Trust in AI remains a significant barrier to wider adoption, with only one-third of CEOs expressing high trust in integrating GenAI into their organizations, citing concerns over inaccuracies, biases, and intellectual property issues.

Moreover, many companies struggle with agility, as about half of CEOs reported reallocating 10% or less of their resources annually, and only 7% of revenue over the past five years came from new AI-driven businesses.

In light of these challenges, 42% of CEOs believe their companies will not remain viable for more than a decade without significant reinvention, with nearly 40% having ventured into new sectors in the past five years.

This evolving landscape emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt their value creation strategies and integrate emerging technologies, including sustainable investments.

Climate-related investments are also gaining traction, with 33% of CEOs reporting increased revenue from such initiatives, although 24% cited regulatory complexity as a barrier to further investment.

Interestingly, Britain's rise to the second-most attractive investment destination reflects a positive trend in global business optimism, surpassing other nations for the first time since 1997.

However, geopolitical conflicts remain a primary concern, particularly in the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe, where 41% and 34% of CEOs, respectively, view it as a significant risk.

Additionally, inflation continues to be a top issue for businesses, with nearly the same percentage of respondents highlighting it as a concern.

Overall, the findings suggest that while there is a growing confidence among CEOs, they must balance this optimism with the realities of economic volatility and the need for strategic innovation.