Observed Signal · Jan 22, 2025 · Survey Release · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
PwC Survey: Austrian CEOs Pessimistic on Economy, Push AI Innovation
A PwC study reveals a stark divergence between Austrian and global CEO sentiment. Only 14% of Austrian CEOs expect economic growth in 2025, compared with 58% globally, while more than two-thirds anticipate a downturn. Key concerns include macroeconomic uncertainty (39%), cyber risks (34%) and inflation (32%). Despite this pessimism, one-third of Austrian companies plan to hire, and 39% expect stable headcounts. The survey shows significant transformation pressure: 45% of CEOs doubt the long-term viability of their current business strategies. In response, companies are accelerating AI adoption — 64% report efficiency gains from generative AI, and 54% expect higher profitability in 2025. Many are developing innovative products (82%) and introducing new pricing models (66%). Sustainability remains a priority, with 57% linking ESG targets to executive compensation, although regulatory complexity (53%) and weak demand (42%) hinder implementation. PwC surveyed 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries, including 44 in Austria.
Regional CEO survey with data points on GenAI adoption and business transformation; relevant to enterprise technology trends but not a specific AdTech/MarTech event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- PwC surveyed 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries, including 44 in Austria.
- Only 14% of Austrian CEOs expect economic growth in 2025, versus 58% globally.
- 64% of Austrian CEOs report efficiency gains from generative AI.
- 45% of Austrian CEOs doubt the long-term profitability of their current business strategies.
- 57% of Austrian firms have linked sustainability targets to executive compensation.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“A current PwC study shows a significantly subdued economic climate in Austria....”
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