Swiss CEOs focus on AI and cost efficiency in 2026

The latest edition of the CEO Outlook Survey by EY-Parthenon shows that Swiss business leaders are facing the current challenges with confidence and drive. 78% of the 50 Swiss CEOs surveyed are optimistic about global economic development over the next twelve months - an increase of 10% compared to the September 2025 survey. 68% of the around 1,200 CEOs surveyed worldwide share this positive assessment.

Almost all Swiss CEOs surveyed (94%) expect sales and productivity to increase in 2026. 86% also expect profitability to improve. Half of Swiss company managers (50%) expect operating costs to fall in 2026. The financial market conditions and capital procurement are also viewed positively by the vast majority.

Strategic realignment in response to geopolitics

Eight out of ten Swiss CEOs (82%) have adjusted their strategic investment plans due to the changed geopolitical conditions. Planned investments were delayed particularly frequently (28%) or operational assets were relocated to other markets (28%). One in ten Swiss companies surveyed had even halted planned investments.

Domestic investments continue to be a priority for 42% of the Swiss CEOs surveyed, while new capital allocations are flowing primarily to Germany (26%) and France (18%). In total, Europe accounts for 92% of planned investments.

"For many Swiss CEOs, geopolitical uncertainty is now the biggest risk, and the significant increase in US tariffs on Swiss imports is weighing on many companies," says Stefan Rösch-Rütsche, Country Managing Partner of EY in Switzerland. "The reduction in tariffs at the end of 2025 certainly had a positive effect on the outlook, but the attractiveness of Switzerland as a business location is still at risk. In general, companies need to act quickly and find tailored solutions in these uncertain times."

AI as the most important growth measure

Looking ahead to 2026, almost four in ten Swiss CEOs (38%) see investments in digitalization and artificial intelligence as the most important growth measure. In second place with 24% is the improvement of geopolitical risk management, followed by localization and regionalization measures (12%).

Artificial intelligence is already delivering measurable added value for many Swiss companies. Around 80% of Swiss CEOs state that their AI initiatives to date have exceeded their own expectations. Almost all (94%) state that AI will be of crucial importance for their business model in the next two years.

The most important AI technologies named by Swiss respondents were "autonomous AI agents" with 54%, which are designed to act independently to complete tasks with minimal effort. In second place with 50% each are "machine learning" for data analysis and decision-making and "physical AI", which stands for the combination of machines and AI to improve manufacturing processes.

According to the CEOs surveyed, the biggest challenges posed by AI are increasing cyber security risks (44%) as well as high initial investments and uncertain returns (40%).

A differentiated picture emerges with regard to employment: more than half (54%) of Swiss CEOs expect a decline in overall employment in 2026 as a result of AI investments. At the same time, almost half (46%) also agree with the statement that AI investments will help to maintain existing hiring levels or attract new talent with changed qualification profiles.

Transactions and strategic partnerships

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, interest in mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships remains high: 62% of Swiss companies are planning at least one M&A transaction in the next twelve months. This is an increase of 22% compared to the September survey.

At the same time, Swiss executives show a strong preference for building strategic partnerships, as these offer the advantage of minimizing costs and conserving company resources. The proportion of Swiss CEOs aiming for at least one alliance or joint venture within the next twelve months is 80%.

"Strategic alliances are becoming increasingly important. Many industries are currently characterized by massive technological changes. In this situation, alliances offer the necessary flexibility and allow us to act quickly," says Stefan Rösch-Rütsche.

All of the Swiss CEOs surveyed are in a transformation phase with their companies or will launch such an initiative within the next twelve months.