C-suite insights
countries worldwide
C-suite Italian insights
This year’s C-suite barometer indicates a positive growth outlook. Despite a slight slowdown in revenue growth in 2025, 92% of executives remain optimistic about their company’s growth prospects.
Global leaders remain confident for 2026Although global uncertainty and disruptions have led to a slight reduction in revenue growth expectations, opportunities remain abundant, and leaders express confidence that they are building organizations ready for the future. Leaders are revisiting their approaches and accelerating strategic plans through significant investments. This adaptability will not only provide a competitive advantage but will become a key driver for successful strategies and growth in 2026.
Confidence levels in Italy exceed the global averageConfirming solid optimism despite a context marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and market volatility, almost 9 out of 10 Italian executives approach 2026 with confidence levels above the global average. Furthermore, leaders’ confidence in their ability to address key market trends has increased by 11 percentage points compared to 2025, reaching 40%, in line with global dynamics.
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Technological transformation leads the top three priorities on C-suite agendas, while the need to adapt business models and competitive strategies in response to an increasingly complex environment remains critical. International expansion continues to be a key lever for supporting growth and strengthening positioning in global markets.
Economic trends, intensifying competition, and geopolitical instability are among the factors expected to have the greatest impact on businesses, but artificial intelligence emerges as the most significant trend.
C-suite agendas highlight AI implementation, new customer acquisition, and overall business strategies as the main areas of investment. The data reflect a positive yet complex environment: Italian companies show confidence and determination while navigating increasingly significant economic, political, and technological challenges.
Success is driven by adaptability“Uncertainty has become the new norm, yet leaders are responding with adaptability, bold investments, and a strong focus on technological transformation. Our research shows that success in 2026 will depend as much on adaptability as on ambition. The most forward-looking organizations are embracing change, investing in people and technology, and rethinking their strategies to stay ahead of the competition.”
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Redefining strategic prioritiesTechnological transformation remains the top priority for C-suite executives, but it represents only one part of the overall strategy.In pursuing growth, companies must combine innovation with flexible plans to support international expansion, address increasingly intense competition, and navigate rising tariff pressures. |
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Technological transformation remains the top priority Technological transformation is confirmed as the number one priority for 52% of Italian C-suite executives. 80% of Italian companies report having an active strategy in place already in 2025, surpassing the global average of 74%. |
International expansion remains a key growth driver International expansion continues to be a crucial lever for growth, with 26% of respondents ranking it as the second-highest priority on their agenda. In response to geopolitical instability and tariffs, 3 out of 5 companies have expanded the number of target countries, representing an 8-point increase over the global average. |
Talent remains a top-three priority for C-suite agendas Talent continues to rank among the top three priorities for C-suite executives, who plan to increase investments in human capital, recognizing the need to develop the right skills to support AI adoption and ongoing transformation. |
C-suite barometer 2026 Italia
As we move into 2026, leaders in the consumer sector are signalling confidence, forward momentum and a stronger appetite for transformation than in previous years. Our latest C-suite barometer results for the consumer sector reveal an industry that is investing strategically in technology, AI and international expansion to tackle the challenges of operating amid economic uncertainty and intensifying...
C-suite leaders in the energy and infrastructure sector are entering 2026 with a mindset shaped by constant adaptation. They’re not just toughing out the challenges – they’re adjusting quickly, staying realistic and making deliberate decisions about where to push ahead and where to pull back.
The financial services (FS) sector stands at a defining moment. As we enter 2026, C‑suite leaders are navigating one of the most complex business environments of the decade. Yet they remain overwhelmingly confident in their ability to grow, transform and lead – after all, this sector has already been through and seen a lot of defining crises, so they’re arguably more capable and experienced at adapting...
Globally, the life sciences and pharmaceutical sector finds itself navigating a climate defined by volatility, hard‑edged economic pressure and relentlessly shifting supply chains. In fact, this is the sector hit the hardest by the majority of external trends impacting businesses and creating barriers to growth – simultaneously. Within this environment, a majority (84%) of sector leaders maintain...
Uncertainty isn’t going anywhere. It has become the defining backdrop of the operating environment in the manufacturing sector. Economic unpredictability, political tension, shifting tariffs, fluctuating energy prices, supply chain fragility – these forces are no longer disruptions. They are the new constants and yet, the story of the manufacturing sector this year isn’t about strain. It’s about adaptability.
The global real estate sector is navigating a landscape defined by a distinct paradox. Steady commercial performance is set against deepening economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Our latest C‑suite barometer shows executives across the industry remain notably positive when it comes to future revenue growth. A significant 82% express optimism about next year’s growth outlook, closely mirroring sentiment...
The future looks bright for the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector. In 2026, it boasts one of the strongest outlooks across all industries (and higher than the global average across all areas) with C‑suite leaders entering the year with confidence despite persistent unpredictability.
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