New research from the Survey of Business Leaders 2025, has highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving business innovation and profitability as companies adapt to huge technological advances.
The survey found that 69 per cent of business leaders around the world rate AI as the most important technology over the next five years, an uptick on last year’s survey when 65 per cent singled out AI. Additionally, 71 per cent of survey respondents say they are focusing on using AI for predictive analytics to track future trends, while 55 per cent, are using AI to improve business agility.
The survey revealed that business leaders have fine-tuned their approach to AI and are modernising their operating models to enable new ways of working as well as new customer-facing offerings and technology-driven innovation.
In terms of using AI in the workforce, these include:
- AI-driven training programs
- streamlined recruitment processes
- predictive workforce analytics that support better decision-making across teams.
Business leaders are recognising the need to adapt. Technological advances, such as the doubling of computer processing power every four years, are accelerating innovation cycles. Many leaders are refining their approach, transitioning from broad experimentation with technology to targeted strategies aimed at enhancing the performance of their workforces.
Cultural transformation is also important for progress. The survey found that profitable businesses are intentional about fostering a culture of innovation, which includes breaking silos, encouraging collaboration and leveraging AI and data analytics to understand market trends and customer behaviour.
The road ahead
The 2025 research unveiled that sustainable profitability is most achievable through strategic, long-term actions in three areas:
- Driving tech-led operational transformations to unlock efficiencies and boost resilience.
- Building innovative, people-centred cultures that can adapt to evolving challenges.
- Using AI and advanced analytics not just as tools, but as catalysts for end-to-end transformation.
About the research – HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025
The HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025 is based on responses collected between September and November 2024. The research features 1,242 business leaders spanning 55 countries and a diverse range of industries. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was gathered, with survey responses supported by in-depth interviews conducted with four experts.These interviews provided valuable insights into topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and workforce innovation, supporting the findings of the report.