Economic uncertainty (53%) and the race to embrace artificial intelligence (50%) are the topmost issues for CEOs today, according to The KPMG CEO Outlook.
Economic uncertainty
The study revealed that 72% of CEOs were confident about the direction of the world economy over the next three years, dipping significantly from 93% when the survey first launched in 2015. Despite declining economic confidence, most CEOs (92%) intend to boost employee headcount over the next three years, the highest since 2020.
Bill Thomas, global CEO & chairman of KPMG International, said: “The last ten years has been framed by a backdrop of volatility and change, from a global pandemic to surging inflation and the rise of AI. In the face of such pressures, CEOs are steadfast about investing in the future. Turbulence calls for leaders to be more resilient, agile, and innovative than ever before. As we look ahead at the next ten years, CEOs who set bold strategies to adapt to our fast-changing world and invest in the right technologies and talent to make their plans a reality can deliver sustainable, long-term growth.”
Artificial intelligence
Around 64% of CEO respondents identified AI as their top investment priority in 2024, and 63% expected to see a return on their investments within three to five years.
The top benefits of AI implementation were increased efficiency and productivity, upskilling the workforce for future readiness, and increased organisational innovation.
Ethical challenges (61%), a lack of regulation (50%), and technical skills and capabilities (48 %) were some of the most difficult to address when implementing AI within their business.
