Many CEOs of technology and telecommunications companies worldwide are generally optimistic about the future, even slightly more so than last year. This is one of the key findings of the CEO Outlook 2024 - Technology and Telecommunications, for which 240 company managers from the technology and telecommunications sector worldwide were interviewed.
Overall, the mood is good. Tech and telco CEOs are predominantly optimistic about the future - despite the turbulent economic and geopolitical environment.
Katja Modder
Partner, Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT)
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
More investment in AI despite ethical concerns
In the results, the respondents emphasise that artificial intelligence has become a particular market driver. The technology plays a key strategic role in optimising productivity, marketing, product development and the customer experience. At the same time, half of the CEOs also see AI as a particular challenge. This primarily relates to ethical concerns.
Almost half of the respondents see further hurdles in geopolitical complexity and economic uncertainty: more than 70 per cent of CEOs even feel under increasing pressure to ensure the long-term value of their company.
CEOs favour ESG and prefer to work in the office
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues also remain at the top of the management agenda. The majority of CEOs of technology and telecommunications companies have recognised how important sustainable transformation is for their company and have developed corresponding measures. Those surveyed also believe in the economic benefits of their ESG strategy: 50 per cent state that corresponding investments can generate a significant return within three to five years.
