AI and cost efficiency creating optimism – Swiss CEOs realign their strategies for 2026

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• 78% of Swiss CEOs are optimistic about the global economy in 2026. 
• All Swiss CEOs surveyed are in a transformation phase with their companies or will enter one within the next 12 months.
• Half of the companies surveyed (50%) want to reduce operating costs in 2026.
• Owing to geopolitical and trade uncertainty, 28% of Swiss CEOs have held off from investing over the past 12 months.
• Investment in AI and digital technologies is cited as the most important measure for growth.
• Transactions remain key: almost two-thirds of Swiss companies (62%) are planning at least one M&A transaction.

Zurich, 20 January 2026 - The latest edition of the CEO Outlook Survey from EY Parthenon, EY Switzerland’s strategy and transactions consultancy, shows that geopolitical and trade policy developments are continuing to shape the strategic agenda of companies; while Swiss CEOs are acting confidently and proactively in this environment. Despite persistent uncertainty, the outlook remains positive: 78% of the 50 Swiss CEOs surveyed are optimistic about the global economy in the coming 12 months; 68% of the approximately 1,200 CEOs surveyed worldwide share this view. In the case of the Swiss CEOs, this is an increase of 10% compared with the survey in September 2025.

This positive attitude is also reflected in how they expect their company will perform: almost all Swiss CEOs surveyed (94%) see sales and productivity in Switzerland rising in 2026, while 86% expect improved profitability. The vast majority are also positive about financial market conditions and raising capital. In addition, half of Swiss business leaders (50%) expect operating costs to fall in 2026.

Swiss CEOs realign strategy

Eight in ten Swiss CEOs (82%) have altered their strategic investment plans as a result of geopolitical changes. Globally, the proportion was almost the same at 83%. Respondents frequently said that planned investment is being delayed (CH: 28%; global: 31%) or operational assets transferred to other markets (CH: 28%; global: 17%). In addition, one in ten Swiss companies surveyed have suspended planned investment.

Domestic investing remains a priority for 42% of Swiss CEOs surveyed, while new capital allocations are mainly directed to Germany (26%) and France (18%). In total, 92% of the planned investment will be in Europe.

When asked about the specific measures for success, the Swiss business leaders responded as follows: Looking ahead to 2026, just under four in ten Swiss CEOs (38%) see investment in digitalization and AI as the most important growth measure. Globally, just over four in ten respondents (44%) take the same view. Improving geopolitical risk management came second in Switzerland at 24%, followed by localization and regionalization measures (12%). Stefan Rösch-Rütsche, Country Managing Partner of EY Switzerland, commented: “For many Swiss CEOs, geopolitical uncertainty is now the greatest risk, and the significant increase in US tariffs on Swiss imports is weighing heavily on many companies. 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 in these uncertain times and find tailor-made solutions.”

Focus on AI

AI is already delivering measurable added value for many Swiss companies. Around 80% of Swiss CEOs said that the AI initiatives they have run so far have exceeded their expectations. Almost all (94%) said that AI will be critical for their business model in the next two years.

54% of Swiss respondents cited “autonomous AI agents”, which are designed to act independently in order to complete tasks with minimum effort, as the most important AI technology. In second place with 50% each were “machine learning” for data analysis and decision-making and “physical AI”. This represents the combination of machines and AI to improve manufacturing processes.

According to the CEOs surveyed, the greatest challenges posed by AI in Switzerland are rising cybersecurity risks (44%), high initial investment and uncertain returns (40%).

When it comes to employment, a differentiated picture emerges: more than half of Swiss CEOs (54%) expect total employment to decline in 2026 as a result of AI investment. At the same time, at 46%, almost half agree with the statement that AI investment will help maintain existing recruitment levels or attract new talent with different qualification profiles.

Increasing interest in acquisitions and sales

Despite geopolitical uncertainty, interest in mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships remains unchanged: 62% of Swiss companies plan at least one M&A transaction in the next 12 months. This is an increase of 22% compared with the September survey. At the same time, Swiss managers show a strong preference for building strategic partnerships that offer the advantage of minimizing costs and conserving company resources. The proportion of Swiss CEOs who are aiming for at least one alliance or joint venture within the next 12 months is 80%.

“Strategic alliances are becoming increasingly important. Many industries are currently undergoing massive technological changes. In this situation, alliances offer the necessary flexibility and make it possible to act quickly,” said Stefan Rösch-Rütsche.

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