C-suite barometer 2026: adapting in uncertainty

Growth outlook remains optimistic 

This year’s C-suite barometer signals a positive growth outlook. Despite a slight dip in revenue growth in 2025, 92% remain optimistic about their company’s growth outlook.  

It is the backdrop against which strategic decisions are made, shaped by economic shifts and influenced by rapid advancements in technology. Yet the results that have emerged in this year’s C-suite barometer reveal little hesitation from leaders. They are revising their approach and accelerating plans with significant investments. 

This adaptability will not only be a competitive edge but the currency for thriving strategies and growth as we head confidently into 2026.   
 

Discover key insights

Confidence in uncertainty

“Irish business leaders remain optimistic about growth in 2026 and it’s encouraging to see confidence levels holding strong despite global uncertainty. What stands out, however, is the clear pullback in investment plans. While a more disciplined approach to capital deployment is understandable, sustained underinvestment can have longer-term implications for competitiveness and growth. The organisations that will succeed in 2026 are those that can strike the balance between caution and confidence, and adapt quickly, invest deliberately and build resilience into every part of their strategy.”

Tom O'Brien Managing Partner  Forvis Mazars Ireland

Resetting strategic priorities

Technology transformation remains the ultimate priority for C-suite executives, but it’s only part of the strategy.

As businesses strive for growth, they must pair innovation with adjustable plans to pursue international expansion, tackle intensifying competition and overcome mounting tariff pressures.

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Transformation through technology remains the dominant priority of C-suite executives. 

Adapting to competition & tariffs appears for the first time at the top of C-suite agendas. 

International expansion remains a top three priority for the third year. 

The AI investment gap

"Irish business leaders are convinced of AI's importance and are moving fast to implement it. What is concerning is the investment gap. While they express the highest confidence in AI ROI among all technology investments, their budget allocation doesn't live up to that. With Irish business investing lower rates of global peers, they risk missing the opportunity AI brings and competitive vulnerability. Now is the time for boards to align their investment with their strategy."

Liam McKenna Partner, Consulting  Forvis Mazars Ireland

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