As many as 86% of Indian CEOs are prioritising investments in emerging technologies over the next 12 months, according to a latest study.
The EY-Parthenon CEO outlook survey finds that most Indian CEOs are taking a long-term approach to business transformation, focusing on customers and employees despite evolving disruptive forces.
Additionally, 90% of them are optimistic about investing in operations, acquisitions, and talent development as key strategies for growth. The findings suggest that Indian CEOs are more confident than their global counterparts regarding the cost of doing business, revenue generation, and competitive positioning.
The report also finds that, of the surveyed Indian CEOs, 90% believe successful AI adoption and workforce upskilling will distinguish industry leaders. These leaders recognise the necessity of strategic transformation to maintain resilience and adaptability.
Further, 20% identified improving customer engagement and retention as their top priority, followed by 18% who prioritised enhancing employee engagement.
Additionally, 16% of CEOs highlighted reducing costs and unlocking savings, while 14% pointed to the importance of enhancing product and process innovation to create new products and services.
Anurag Gupta, partner and national leader, EY-Parthenon India, said: “According to the EY survey, 42% of Indian CEOs are confident in optimising operations and boosting productivity, including through digitalisation, while 67% are radically reimagining their business models to unlock new avenues for creating, delivering, and capturing value. Most CEOs are taking a long-term view of transformation, prioritising enhanced customer and employee engagement amidst macroeconomic and technological shifts, and placing people at the heart of their strategy for sustainable value creation.”
The report further highlights a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among Indian business leaders. Unlike their global counterparts, 90% of Indian CEOs are actively exploring strategic transactions in the coming year.
Despite their optimistic outlook, Indian CEOs remain cautious about external uncertainties. The survey finds that 96% of them identify escalating geopolitical instability and uncertainty as their primary concern.
The significant impact of global political dynamics on business operations and strategic planning continues to be a major factor influencing decision-making.