2026 Global CSO Survey
Leading strategy at the speed of change
How are leading CSOs adapting to relentless change? And what is AI's impact on strategy? The 2026 Global Chief Strategy Officer Survey answers these questions by revealing the evolving priorities and challenges shaping today's CSO agenda.
A role in constant motion
The confluence of volatility, intense execution demands, and the ascent of AI has created a new operating reality for Chief Strategy Officers. The 2026 Global CSO Survey provides an essential analysis of this new landscape, showing how global strategy leaders are adapting their approaches to succeed in a world of unprecedented complexity and constraint.
Top 3 findings from our survey
Discover the key priorities for today's strategy leaders and how they are creating focus to win in a volatile world.
Despite a tough market, CSOs are confident. They must leverage this to build a durable competitive advantage.
For many CSOs, a capacity gap is the real issue. Without sharper focus and aligned decision rights, they risk being sidelined.
CSOs use Al, but rarely lead with it. Top CSOs must treat Al as a core strategy to gain a competitive edge.
What we heard from strategy leaders
Our survey data tells a clear story of external pressure meeting internal constraint. CSOs must navigate fierce competition while battling a widespread lack of resources and a critical gap in decision-making authority. The path forward points toward technology, as leaders expect a fundamental shift in their role through a deeper partnership with AI.
cite too many priorities with too little time
don't own top strategic decisions
expect an enhanced partnership with AI
Dig into the full results
Learn how leaders are adapting to rising demands by making strategy a continuous discipline. Explore our complete findings and strategic insights in the full 2026 CSO Survey.
About the survey
Monitor Deloitte’s 2026 Global Chief Strategy Officer Survey offers a critical measure of how strategy leaders are navigating today’s complex and volatile business environment. The survey, fielded from September to November 2025 with 148 global executives who own their organisation's strategic agenda, reports on their key challenges and shifting priorities. By capturing a diverse mix of industries and geographies, the report enables leaders to benchmark their own strategic approach and identify important trends in how strategy is evolving across markets.
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