PwC Global Investor Survey 2023: Investors back AI despite concerns

Focus on climate risks and technology: PwC survey highlights investor concerns and sustainability factors in investment decisions.

Vienna - Investors worldwide are showing a strong inclination towards the rapid implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), although they are also aware of the associated risks. The results of PwC's Global Investor Survey 2023 emphasize that 85% of respondents are increasingly looking for the rapid adoption of AI, despite concerns about data security, governance and bias.

The biggest threats to businesses, as cited by respondents, include inflation, economic volatility, geopolitical conflict, cyber risks and climate change. Interestingly, climate-related risks now rise to the level of cyber risks. The global survey, in which 345 people from the investment sector took part, shows that more attention is being paid to sustainability.

Investors are focusing on AI and new technologies such as the metaverse and blockchain, as these are seen as important valuation criteria for companies. Although 61% see the rapid adoption of AI as "very" or "extremely important", there is also a high level of concern about security risks, insufficient control and possible discrimination.

345 investors and analysts surveyed

In September 2023, PwC surveyed 345 investors and analysts from 30 different regions/countries. This group represented institutional investors, analysts, asset managers and chief investment officers with assets under management of between USD 500 million and USD 1 trillion or more. As a global network of member firms in 152 countries, PwC is focused on building trust in society. With around 328,000 employees worldwide, the company provides audit, tax, legal and business advisory services. The study aims to provide insights into the current investment landscape and highlight key trends.

Companies must approach these opportunities actively and courageously. They should not only observe developments in AI, but also test innovative and meaningful use cases

Rudolf Krickl, CEO of PwC Austria

Rudolf Krickl, CEO of PwC Austria, emphasizes the importance of actively seizing the opportunities offered by AI and not just observing them. Companies should find innovative ways to use AI sensibly.

The importance of sustainability for investors is also growing steadily. Compared to 2022, 32% now see climate change as one of the biggest threats. For 75% of respondents, how companies deal with sustainability-related opportunities and risks is a decisive factor in investment decisions.

Investors have little confidence in sustainability reports - this should make companies and supervisory authorities sit up and take notice.

Agatha Kalandra, Member of the Management Board at PwC Austria

Agatha Kalandra, Member of the Management Board at PwC Austria, emphasizes the increasing relevance of ESG criteria for investments and the expectation for companies to present their sustainability strategies transparently.

Despite the growing interest in sustainability, 94% of respondents have doubts about the reliability of companies' sustainability reporting. This lack of trust leads to an increased need for reliable data, stricter reporting standards and independent controls to counteract suspicions of greenwashing.

Further information on the study can be found on the homepage ofPwCAustria.