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According to new Protiviti-NC State 2026 Unlocking Opportunity report, nearly 70% of global executives are optimistic about revenue growth over the next few years, even as they identify cybersecurity, AI adoption, and workforce upskilling as top near-term risks.

Why it matters: Despite economic and geopolitical headwinds, the survey of more than 1,500 leaders suggests a strategic shift from risk avoidance to leveraging disruption for growth. Companies are actively investing in transformation and technology, viewing them as necessary for staying competitive.

By the numbers: The report outlines a clear disconnect between where companies want to go and the threats they face getting there.

  • Top 5 Near-Term Risks:
  1. Cyber threats
  2. Third-party risk
  3. Emerging tech adoption and workforce upskilling
  4. Legacy nullnullIT and operational performance gaps
  5. Economic conditions and inflation
  • Top 5 Investment Priorities:
  1. Cybersecurity
  2. Business process improvement
  3. Infrastructure modernization
  4. Data privacy
  5. Customer experience
Zoom in: Artificial intelligence is a central part of this dynamic. While seen as a key to future growth, its implementation is a major concern.

  • Nearly one-third (31%) of executives are focused on the data integrity and cybersecurity exposures tied to AI.
  • An equal share (31%) is actively integrating AI into their operations, showing a parallel track of adoption and apprehension.
  • This push has elevated "workforce upskilling" to a top-three near-term risk, as companies race to prepare their employees for new AI-driven roles and processes.
The big picture: The survey data indicates that standing still is no longer a viable strategy. Concerns over legacy nullIT systems and upskilling have risen in importance since last year's survey, while worries about general economic conditions have slightly lessened.

  • This is driving major investment in infrastructure modernization and cybersecurity to build more resilient operations.
  • "The greatest risk today is standing still," said Matt Moore of Protiviti.
  • Six in 10 leaders also plan to expand their ecosystem of strategic partnerships to improve their go-to-market capabilities.
What's next: Looking further ahead, executives are prioritizing long-term strategies that blend offense and defense. The top strategic priorities include focusing on customers and competition, bolstering security and privacy, deploying AI effectively, and building market resilience and a robust talent strategy.

The Protiviti-NC State 2026 Unlocking Opportunity report may be downloaded here.

SOURCE: Protiviti 

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