Survey Finds Optimism on Growth in 2026 Despite Cyber and Tech Risks

Summary

A new Protiviti and NC State ERM survey of over 1,500 global executives reveals strong optimism about revenue growth through 2026, with nearly 70% seeing significant opportunities despite ongoing economic, geopolitical, and technological turbulence. Leaders are shifting from risk avoidance to leveraging uncertainty for transformation, emphasizing strategic partnerships and ecosystem expansion. Cybersecurity remains the top near‑term risk, driving the highest investment priority, while AI emerges as both a major risk (data integrity, security) and growth catalyst, underscoring the need for workforce upskilling. Executives view talent strategy, AI deployment, and customer‑centric innovation as critical long‑term priorities to sustain resilience and growth.