CEOs Prioritize AI and Global Investments for 2026 Growth

CEOs Focus on AI and Global Expansion in 2026

In 2026, CEOs worldwide are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape characterized by shifting economic centers, accelerating AI adoption, and the urgent need to balance short-term pressures with long-term strategic reinvention. According to PwC's 29th Annual Global CEO Survey, over half of CEOs plan to make international investments in the coming year, with India and the Middle East emerging as key destinations. However, the challenge lies not just in allocating capital but in adapting business models to thrive in a world reshaped by technology, talent, and geopolitical dynamics.

The survey, which reflects the perspectives of more than 4,400 chief executives across 95 countries, highlights the tension between immediate demands and the structural shifts redefining global competitiveness. CEOs are grappling with interconnected challenges, from trust and innovation to climate considerations and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence (AI). These forces are reshaping how businesses compete and create value, pushing leaders to make strategic choices that will define the next decade.

AI stands out as a transformative force, with CEOs increasingly concerned about whether their organizations are transforming fast enough to keep pace with technological advancements. While investment in AI infrastructure is growing, fewer than a quarter of CEOs report extensive AI application across core activities. This gap between investment and adoption underscores the need for enterprises to move from pilot projects to full-scale integration to realize AI's potential.

The Role of Public-Private Collaboration in AI Development

Public-private collaboration is increasingly critical as nations and businesses navigate fragmented digital ecosystems and geopolitical alignments. According to the survey, leaders are working more closely with governments and partners to ensure the infrastructure they depend on is secure, trusted, and interoperable. This collaboration is essential to address cyber risks, which have risen for the third consecutive year as a top near-term threat alongside macroeconomic volatility.

As AI adoption accelerates, it is reshaping the workforce, replacing some tasks and roles while creating new jobs and industries. PwC research estimates that AI could add up to 15% to global gross domestic product within a decade, enabling new ways to build, connect, and care for communities. However, this transformation also requires a proactive approach to reskilling and upskilling, as required skills are changing 66% faster in the most AI-exposed occupations.

CEOs recognize that standing still is not an option in this rapidly changing environment. The survey indicates that nearly four in 10 CEOs believe their companies will not be viable in 10 years if they stay on their current path. To thrive, businesses must reinvent their models, adapt to new realities, and invest in capabilities like talent and technology that will drive competitive advantage.

In conclusion, the path forward for CEOs in 2026 involves rigorous horizon scanning, scenario planning, and building resilience into key choices. By investing early in AI, talent, and strategic partnerships, leaders can position their organizations to capture the opportunities of the next era of global growth.