The PwC 2025 Global CEO Survey has set the stage for a year of transformation and reinvention. Published during ongoing discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the survey reveals a substantial boost in optimism among business leaders. Nearly 60% of CEOs forecast global economic growth over the next 12 months, marking a significant recovery from the 38% recorded last year.
Adding to this narrative, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed WEF participants via videoconference just hours ago in his first week following his reelection and inauguration for his second term. Discussing the complex interplay between geopolitics and the global economy, Trump emphasized the role of international stability in fostering growth. He also fielded questions from attendees, making the session a moment of shared dialogue.
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While these remarks explored economic interdependencies, PwC’s findings offer additional insight into emerging priorities for business leaders. Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman at PwC, commented on the urgent need for business reinvention. “This year’s CEO Survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition. Business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead but also know they must reinvent how they create, deliver, and capture value,” Kande said. He emphasized that factors such as generative AI, geopolitical shifts, and the climate transition are revolutionizing the global economy, requiring bold strategic decisions to thrive.
Technology fuels confidence with job creation and AI integration
The tech sector is leading a surge in optimism as businesses continue to shape the next industrial paradigm. According to PwC’s findings, 61% of tech CEOs plan to grow their workforce in 2025 in response to rising demand for cutting-edge digital solutions. This mirrors global sentiment, with 42% of all CEOs expressing plans for headcount increases this year.
AI technologies, particularly generative AI (GenAI), stand at the forefront of this push. Already, 56% of CEOs cite efficiency increases through AI usage, while a third have reported profitability gains and revenue growth. However, only 34% report meeting profitability expectations, underscoring the significant challenges of scaling and integration.
Matt Wood, Global & US Commercial Technology & Innovation Officer for PwC, observed that business leaders now display a greater understanding of GenAI’s role in enterprises. “This year’s survey shows a more mature view of GenAI in the enterprise. CEOs are convinced it has the power to unlock new opportunities. At the same time, they are more aware of the challenges they need to navigate to realize that value,” Wood said. He also noted the importance of trust in AI system design and highlighted GenAI’s potential for growth by creating new products and services.
Transforming business models through global cooperation
Despite strong optimism, 42% of CEOs believe their companies will not survive the next decade unless they transform how they create and deliver value. Many remain cautious, with over half dedicating only 10% or less of financial and human resources annually to business reinvention.
Kande’s remarks underline the need for companies to rethink their operations and business models in light of these challenges. “New business ecosystems are forming, transforming how companies compete and create value,” he explained. Leaders, he noted, must act boldly to adapt areas such as people strategy, supply chains, and overall footprints to prepare for the future.
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This imperative is deeply connected to global cooperation. Reinvention demands open collaboration between markets, businesses, and stakeholders. Rejecting divisive measures such as tariffs, trade barriers, or bans can help foster an environment where knowledge and innovation flow freely.
Carol Stubbings, Global Chief Commercial Officer at PwC, also touched on the rapid changes reshaping industries. “Three-plus decades of digitization have started to break down formerly impermeable boundaries between sectors, while the combined impact of the climate transition, AI, and other megatrends will hasten the process of reconfiguration,” she said. This transformation requires fundamental reinvention and an openness to change for businesses to thrive.
The role of sustainability in future business vision
CEOs increasingly see sustainability as a growth driver rather than merely a responsibility. PwC’s survey reveals that approximately 33% of CEOs report revenue growth tied directly to climate-related initiatives, with operational savings adding to the appeal of green investments.
However, regulatory inconsistencies and fragmented international policies remain barriers to scaling sustainability efforts. Here again, global cooperation plays a central role. Nations that work toward standardizing frameworks for green technologies create opportunities for resource-efficient and impactful climate solutions.
Moving forward with unity and optimism
PwC’s data and the exchanges at Davos share a common theme. Progress relies on unity rather than division. Trump’s remarks highlighted the impact of geopolitics on the economy, but the broader lesson stretches beyond individual discussions. Collaboration, tolerance, and shared purpose are key to driving meaningful change.
When leaders prioritize dialogue and reject conflict, innovation can thrive. Similarly, companies that work together and dismantle barriers such as tariffs and trade restrictions create the conditions necessary for breakthroughs. Tolerance and openness to diverse ideas catalyze transformation across industries and technologies.
With its capacity for borderless connections, the technology sector is particularly well-positioned to lead this push. By advancing sustainable innovation, integrating AI responsibly, and fostering a culture of inclusion, it can set an example for all businesses navigating an increasingly interconnected economy.
Toward a thriving future
Whether drawn from PwC’s survey data or reflections in Davos, the ultimate message remains clear. Innovation flourishes in environments rooted in trust, cooperation, and opportunity. The path to shaping a thriving future lies in collaboration, where divisions give way to shared solutions. Businesses envisioning a global economy free from artificial barriers are more likely to deliver the breakthroughs needed to define this era.
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The challenge now is not simply developing new tools but ensuring their success through unity. Moving forward together with confidence, tolerance, and determination may unlock the future that industries and societies aspire to achieve.
YouTube: Special Address, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America | Davos 2025
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Photo credit: The four shown photos have been taken on sight at the event. The feature image has been done by Sandra Blaser. The picture of Trump’s address has been taken by Benedikt von Loebell. The image depicting a talk with people on a circular stage was shot by Chris Heeney. The photo showing a panel discussion on a normal stage was done by Gabriel Lado. All of these images are available by WEF under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license.
Source: PwC press release
