• According to the latest edition of the PwC Global CEO Survey 2026, conducted based on the responses of 4.454 CEOs from 95 countries and territories (including 79 leaders from Romania), confidence in economic growth prospects has reached a low level recently.
The survey, conducted between September 30 and November 10, 2025, highlights an interesting discrepancy: although CEOs are showing increased caution towards the near future, many Romanian companies are adopting ambitious development and diversification strategies.
Only a quarter (25%) of Romanian CEOs are very or extremely confident that their companies’ revenues will grow in the next 12 months – the lowest percentage in the last five years. This is below the global average (30%) and well below that in Central and Eastern Europe (42%). Over a three-year horizon, optimism remains modest, with only 39% of respondents expressing confidence in the expansion potential of their businesses, down from previous editions of the study.
However, the data reveals a notable resilience of the Romanian business environment. More than half of the participating companies (57%) managed to increase their market share in the last five years, a percentage higher than both the global (42%) and regional averages (46%). At the same time, 52% of respondents entered new sectors of activity in the same period, and 46% plan to make at least one significant acquisition in the next three years.
These strategic moves suggest a proactive approach to uncertainties: leaders prefer to act decisively, taking advantage of opportunities such as more advantageous asset valuations or the withdrawal of less prepared competitors.
Adopting Artificial Intelligence in organizational processes
A separate chapter is occupied by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Although technology is perceived as a major vector of transformation, the concrete financial impact remains limited. Only 12% of Romanian executives report that AI has simultaneously generated additional revenues and cost reductions – a level similar to the global and regional averages. Over half of leaders admit that the integration of AI into the organization's essential processes is still low. On the other hand, there is no shortage of positive signals: almost half (48%) already have a dedicated AI strategy, and two-thirds (67%) believe that their organization cultivates a favorable attitude towards the adoption of the technology. Romania also stands out with percentages above the regional average in the use of AI for product development, demand stimulation and the formulation of business strategies.
The top concerns for business leaders remain inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical tensions. A third of respondents see their organizations as highly exposed to economic instability and price increases (up from the previous year), and 28% perceive a high risk from international conflicts. Almost half (43%) say these instabilities have reduced their appetite for major investments, and 32% anticipate pressure on profit margins from trade tariffs – both above global and regional averages.
One aspect that deserves attention is the apparent underestimation of cyber risks: only 18% of Romanian executives see cyber threats as high-level for their business, compared to almost a third (31%) globally. This gap does not necessarily indicate superior security, but rather a still reduced exposure to major incidents of this type.
Overall, the 2026 edition of the PwC CEO Survey for Romania paints a picture of a mature business environment, where risk caution is intertwined with a clear determination to invest in diversification, digital innovation and strategic consolidation. Local companies appear to be transforming uncertainty into a catalyst for rapid adaptation, positioning Romania as a dynamic player in the Central and Eastern European region.
Article source: PwC Global CEO Survey 2026
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief of Arta Alba
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