The year 2025 promises new opportunities but also significant challenges for CEOs worldwide.
Optimism about global economic growth is widespread – according to the latest PwC survey, almost 60% of CEOs expect the economic situation to improve. At the same time, macroeconomic uncertainties, inflation, and geopolitical risks remain pressing problems.
How can leaders promote growth in this field of tension and develop long-term sustainable strategies?
The growth paradox
While CEOs recognize the opportunities offered by new technologies and markets, the data shows that many companies still cling to inflexible structures.
Resource reallocation – a key lever for agility – often remains minimal: More than two-thirds of companies move less than 20% of their budgets and employees between projects. This inertia risks missing opportunities in new business areas.
Technology as a growth driver
Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI (GenAI), is a key growth factor. Over 56% of CEOs report efficiency gains, and a third have even been able to increase sales. However, trust and integration remain hurdles: only 41% plan to integrate AI into core business processes. This is a crucial starting point for securing competitive advantages.
Sustainability as a duty and an opportunity
Climate change is also a challenge for CEOs. Studies show that companies that actively invest in climate-related measures are six times more likely to increase their sales than to lose money. At the same time, these investments can reduce costs or keep them stable. Combining sustainability with technological innovations could become a decisive success factor.
Shared growth vision: Germany’s challenges in focus
As mentioned at the beginning, nearly 60% of CEOs worldwide anticipate increased economic growth by 2025. The outlook in Germany tells a different story: only 16% of German business leaders expect growth for their organizations in the next 12 months, down from 42% last year.
These uncertainties are also reflected in investment strategies, as German CEOs increasingly focus on international markets, particularly the US, where 54% prioritize their investments.
At the same time, technological hesitation and regulatory hurdles remain central challenges – areas where international comparisons highlight clear opportunities for action.
Key takeaways
- Prioritize agility: Foster flexible resource allocation and enable faster adjustments to market opportunities.
- Leverage technology purposefully: Focus on trustworthy and transparent AI implementation to boost efficiency and drive innovation.
- Strategically integrate sustainability: Use climate-related investments to mitigate risks and as a lever for growth.
Conclusion
The year 2025 offers CEOs a clear message: growth will not come from optimism alone but from decisive strategies that combine technology, sustainability, and agility.
Are you ready to redefine your company’s boundaries and seize the opportunities ahead?
See you in the following memo,
– Mike Flache
Source
- PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, 2025
