2021-05-31-普华永道-A_leadership_agenda_to_take_on_tomorrow_22页_17mb

24th Annual Global CEO Survey Summary

Core Content

The 24th Annual Global CEO Survey by PwC provides an overview of the current sentiment and strategic priorities among global CEOs one year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey highlights a rebound in optimism about the global economy, with 76% of CEOs expecting growth in the next 12 months, up from 22% in 2020. Despite this optimism, leaders remain anxious about various external threats, including pandemics, cybersecurity, misinformation, tax policy uncertainty, and climate change.

Main Views and Key Insights

Economic Outlook

• Global Economic Recovery: CEOs are optimistic about a global economic comeback, driven by digital transformation that has accelerated during the pandemic.
• Revenue Confidence: 36% of CEOs are very confident about their revenue growth in the next year, and 47% are very confident looking ahead three years.
• Growth Estimates: Based on CEO confidence, PwC estimates global growth could rise by 5.0% in 2021, slightly below IMF projections of 5.5%, but in line with pre-pandemic levels by Q4 2021 or early 2022.

Digital Acceleration

• Digital Transformation: The pandemic has pushed many companies to adopt digital solutions rapidly, and this trend is not slowing down.
• Investment Plans: Nearly 50% of CEOs plan to increase digital investment by 10% or more over the next three years.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: While digital acceleration is widespread, 47% of CEOs now cite cyber threats as their top concern, up from 33% in 2020. This includes a 78% increase in concern about misinformation.

Sectoral Impacts

• Varied Effects: Different industries have been impacted in different ways. The hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors report the lowest confidence levels, while technology and other sectors show greater optimism.
• Examples:
  • Minor International (Thailand): Aims to return to 2019 levels by 2023.
  • Blue Bird (Indonesia): Focused on digital payment solutions to reduce touchpoints.
  • Fender Musical Instruments (US): Experienced a surge in sales of electric guitars due to increased home music-making.

Climate Change and Environmental Impact

• Climate Concerns: 30% of CEOs now consider climate change an extreme concern, up from 24% in 2020.
• Strategic Gaps: 60% of CEOs have not yet integrated climate change into their strategic risk management.
• Regional Disparities: Companies in countries with high natural hazard exposure are less prepared for climate-related risks, despite being major contributors to CO₂ emissions.

Trust and Transparency

• Leadership Imperative: CEOs are increasingly focused on trust and transparency as a means to drive sustainable change.
• Environmental Reporting: 43% of CEOs highlighted the need for greater environmental impact reporting, reflecting the adage that what gets measured gets managed.

Tax Policy and Geopolitical Shifts

• Tax Policy Uncertainty: 52% of CEOs are extremely concerned about tax policy uncertainty, a 64% increase from 2020.
• Geopolitical Trends: Trade conflict and protectionism have declined in CEO threat rankings, though they remain top concerns in China and Germany.
• Shift in Focus: US CEOs are reducing reliance on China and increasing interest in Canada and Mexico, with a 78% rise in focus on these markets.
• Global Trade Dynamics: The US is extending its lead over China as a growth destination, while China CEOs show growing interest in Japan, Germany, and the US.

People and Productivity

• Workforce Development: CEOs prioritize the creation of a skilled, educated, and adaptable workforce.
• Automation: 36% of CEOs are focusing on productivity through automation and technology, a 124% increase from 2016.
• Inequality Concerns: 20% of CEOs are extremely concerned about economic inequality, though it is not the top threat.

Conclusion

The survey underscores a global shift in leadership priorities, with a greater emphasis on digital transformation, trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability. While the economy shows signs of recovery, CEOs remain cautious about external threats and rethink traditional business models to adapt to a new normal. The pandemic has acted as both an accelerator of change and a catalyst for innovation, pushing leaders to reimagine the future and prioritize resilience.