Economy

PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global CEO Survey Showcases India’s Leadership in AI, Sustainability, and Growth

PwC’s survey highlights Indian CEOs’ confidence in economic growth, Generative AI, and climate investments, redefining global leadership amid challenges.

As world leaders gather at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 to discuss, Collaboration in the Intelligent Age, India’s business leaders are emerging as pivotal players in shaping the future of global commerce. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Indian CEOs are championing bold strategies in Generative AI, sustainability, and economic reinvention, positioning the country as a global leader. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, which gathered insights from 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries, highlights India’s remarkable trajectory. A total of 87 percent of Indian CEOs expressed optimism about the country’s economic growth, surpassing the global average of 57 percent, while 74 percent showed confidence in their companies’ revenue prospects. This places India in a unique position to drive the global economic narrative.

India’s Economic Leadership: A Global Magnet for Investments
India is ranked among the top five global investment destinations alongside the United States, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The country’s improvements in ease of doing business (EoDB), coupled with infrastructure growth and a young, skilled workforce, have attracted widespread investor attention. Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC India), said, Indian CEOs are proactively adapting to global challenges while ensuring sustainable growth. Their foresight in addressing megatrends like AI and climate change sets a benchmark for global leadership.

Generative AI: Driving Strategic Transformation in India
Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing industries, and Indian CEOs are at the forefront of this transformation. Over 51 percent of Indian CEOs believe GenAI will positively impact profitability, which is significantly higher than the global perspective. Despite its potential, trust in the seamless integration of AI into business processes remains limited, with only a third of Indian CEOs expressing high confidence in its adoption.
However, unlike many global counterparts, 68 percent of Indian CEOs plan to expand their workforce over the next year, compared to the global average of 42 percent. This highlights India’s approach of complementing AI with human capital rather than replacing it. Krishan observed, GenAI is more than a technological evolution; it is a strategic revolution. Indian CEOs are well-positioned to harness its potential while embedding responsible practices to address trust deficits.

Sustainability: Shaping a Climate-Resilient Future
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) the survey reveals that Indian CEOs are integrating sustainability into their core strategies. Over the past five years, one-third of Indian CEOs have reported revenue growth from climate-focused initiatives. These include transitioning to energy-efficient operations, developing green products, and adopting emission-reducing technologies. Additionally, 58 percent of Indian CEOs link their personal incentive compensation to sustainability metrics, slightly exceeding the global average of 56 percent. By aligning financial incentives with climate goals, these leaders are driving accountability and innovation.

Reinvention and Expansion into New Frontiers
Indian CEOs are not only navigating challenges but actively reinventing their industries. The survey shows that 40 percent of Indian CEOs have entered at least one new industry over the past five years. Of these, 50 percent attributed 1 to 20 percent of their revenue growth to these ventures.
Common reinvention strategies include:

  • Launching innovative products and services tailored to evolving customer needs.
  • Expanding into new markets, including direct-to-consumer sales channels.

Collaborating with organizations to share resources and insights. Krishan added, Reinvention requires a willingness to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about business models. Indian CEOs are proving that adaptability and foresight are key to long-term success.

India’s Leadership on the Global Stage
The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Global CEO Survey underscores India’s unique role in global business leadership. By embracing Generative AI, driving sustainability, and focusing on reinvention, Indian CEOs are setting new standards for innovation and resilience
About PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC’s) 28th Annual Global CEO Survey
The survey gathered insights from 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries between October 1 and November 8, 2024. The global findings are weighted proportionally to country GDP, offering an accurate representation of global trends. For the full report, visit PwC’s CEO Survey.
About PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is a global network of firms in 152 countries with over 327,000 professionals dedicated to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, and tax services. By building trust and solving critical societal challenges, PwC empowers businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Q: How confident are Indian CEOs about economic growth?

A: According to PwC’s survey, 87 percent of Indian CEOs expressed optimism about the country’s economic growth, exceeding the global average of 57 percent.

Q: What is the role of Generative AI in India’s business landscape?

A: Indian CEOs view Generative AI as a key driver of profitability, with 51 percent anticipating its positive impact. However, only a third have high trust in AI integration.

Q: How are Indian CEOs contributing to sustainability?

A: One-third of Indian CEOs reported revenue growth from climate-friendly initiatives. Additionally, 58 percent tied their personal incentives to sustainability metrics.

At Prittle Prattle News, “featuring you virtuously,” we bring to light transformative insights like those highlighted in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global CEO Survey, showcasing India’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, sustainability, and AI innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to presenting impactful stories that inspire action and awareness. From Generative AI adoption to climate-conscious investments, we delve deep into the trends shaping the future of global business. Explore more on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit Prittle Prattle News for the latest updates.

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