A major shift in global corporate strategy is emerging as business leaders increasingly turn to artificial intelligence and mergers and acquisitions to fuel growth. A pre-Davos survey highlights how CEOs are recalibrating priorities amid economic uncertainty, signaling significant implications for investors, policymakers, and global markets in 2026.

The pre-Davos poll of global executives indicates that AI adoption and strategic dealmaking have become the primary growth levers for large corporations. Many respondents cited technology-driven productivity gains as essential to offset slowing demand and persistent cost pressures.

M&A activity is also back on the agenda, with companies seeking scale, talent, and technological capabilities rather than purely geographic expansion. Key stakeholders include multinational corporations, private equity firms, and technology providers. The findings arrive as leaders prepare for the World Economic Forum in Davos, where AI governance, capital allocation, and global growth risks are expected to dominate discussions among political and business elites.

The development aligns with a broader trend across global markets where traditional growth engines have weakened. High interest rates, geopolitical fragmentation, and uneven post-pandemic recoveries have constrained organic expansion. In response, executives are prioritizing AI as a tool to unlock efficiency, automate operations, and create new revenue streams.

At the same time, M&A is regaining momentum after a subdued period marked by regulatory scrutiny and valuation gaps. Historically, periods of technological disruption have triggered consolidation, as firms race to acquire capabilities they cannot build fast enough internally.

The renewed focus on AI and acquisitions reflects lessons from previous cycles, where early movers captured outsized advantages. As Davos approaches, this strategic pivot underscores how corporate leaders view technology and capital deployment as central to navigating a more fragmented and competitive global economy.

Market analysts interpret the poll as evidence of a structural shift in boardroom thinking. “Executives are no longer treating AI as an experimental add-on; it’s now core to growth strategy,” noted one global investment strategist. Analysts argue that AI spending is increasingly linked to measurable productivity and margin improvements.

Corporate advisers also point to a more selective M&A environment. Rather than megadeals, companies are targeting acquisitions that deliver data, AI talent, or specialized platforms. Industry leaders have echoed these views ahead of Davos, emphasizing disciplined capital allocation and responsible AI deployment.

Policy experts caution that regulatory frameworks may struggle to keep pace with rapid AI adoption and cross-border deals, potentially creating friction between innovation goals and compliance requirements in major economies.

For global businesses, the shift underscores the need to embed AI deeply into operations while sharpening M&A execution capabilities. Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind more agile competitors.

Investors may see increased deal activity and sustained technology spending as supportive of equity markets, though regulatory risk remains a key variable. For policymakers, the trend raises questions around AI governance, competition policy, and cross-border investment controls. Analysts warn that governments may need to balance innovation incentives with safeguards on data, employment, and market concentration as AI-led consolidation accelerates.

Looking ahead, AI investment and dealmaking are likely to feature prominently in Davos discussions, shaping corporate agendas for the year ahead. Decision-makers should watch regulatory signals, interest rate trajectories, and AI adoption metrics. While uncertainty persists around geopolitics and economic growth, the message from global executives is clear: technology and strategic acquisitions will define competitive advantage in 2026.

Source & Date

Source: Bloomberg
Date: January 20, 2026