KPMG study examines top trends in German companies: Companies prioritize and invest in digital transformation

• Cybersecurity, AI and automation are among the key tasks of the future
• Companies see pent-up demand for digital skills - and want to invest heavily
• ESG, regulation and governance: investments fall, structures stand
• Future outlook mostly positive, but highly sector-dependent
• Results of the Future Readiness Monitor will be presented at the KPMG Future Summit on June 25

Digital transformation remains the central task on the executive floors of German companies: Key topics such as cybercrime, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the expansion of digital skills within the workforce are at the top of the corporate agenda - while activities relating to geopolitics and ESG are becoming less relevant. This is shown by the Future Readiness Monitor 2025 by KPMG in Germany. The study surveyed 570 managers from 19 sectors. The survey focused on ten key future topics, assessing their relevance for their own company, the degree of maturity of implementation to date and the investment priority for the next three years. 

Combating cybercrime will remain at the top of the top trends in 2025. 94% of respondents rate the topic as highly relevant. Despite an increased level of maturity - 81% state that they are well positioned - the willingness to invest remains high: 78% want to invest more in this area over the next three years. The automation of business processes and the use of AI for innovation have also become increasingly important. However, implementation is lagging behind here: only around 44% of companies feel that they are sufficiently prepared in these areas. Investment plans are correspondingly high - around 70% are focusing on this area.

The picture is similar when it comes to workforce transformation: eight out of ten companies want to expand their digital skills and make their workforce fit for technological change. However, the current level of maturity is often considered insufficient. Digitalization is therefore no longer a topic for the future - but a concrete call to action. The situation is different when it comes to the agility trend: Two thirds of companies rate themselves as already well positioned here and the willingness to invest is also decreasing - only 61 percent plan to continue to financially promote agility in the future.

Strategic risks such as regulatory requirements, geopolitical tensions and ESG are becoming less urgent compared to the last survey. Although companies continue to recognize their relevance, they are prioritizing these topics less frequently on their investment agenda. For example, the investment priority for regulatory and governance risks is only 33%, and 35% for geopolitical risks.

The maturity level, on the other hand, has increased significantly: In terms of regulation and governance, 66% of companies now consider themselves to be well positioned - an increase of 18 percentage points compared to 2024. There was also an improvement from 57% to 68% in the level of maturity in taking ESG into account when investing. The figures indicate that many companies have already established basic structures and are now less likely to push for further expansion. Dealing with geopolitical tensions remains challenging: despite comparatively high relevance, implementation and willingness to invest are not keeping pace. The average level of maturity is 59%, but there are significant differences between sectors.

The assessment of their own future remains positive overall despite the difficult conditions. 71% of the managers surveyed are confident about the next three years. This means that optimism has fallen slightly compared to the previous year (-5 percentage points), but remains at a high level.

The differences between the sectors are striking: Decision-makers from the insurance industry are particularly optimistic - 56% of them rate the future prospects of their company as very positive. The technology sector is also well above average at 44%. The outlook in the automotive industry is more reserved: Only 13 percent are very optimistic here. Media companies and the asset management sector also show cautious expectations with around 20% each.

The results of the "Future Readiness Monitor 2025" will be presented in various panels at the KPMG Future Summit on June 25, 2025. The virtual live event will take place under the motto "Shaping the future in times of upheaval" and will bring together high-caliber decision-makers from business, politics and science.

Also on board: Boris Herrmann, climate ambassador and skipper of the Malizia sailing team. In his keynote speech, the experienced circumnavigator will transfer his perspectives from sailing in extreme situations to entrepreneurial action in times of change. Journalists are cordially invited to attend the events free of charge. Prior registration is required.

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Clemens Reisbeck
T +49 69 9587 1722
creisbeck@kpmg.com
www.kpmg.com/de