Private company outlook: Family enterprise
AI, governance, and succession planning
When it comes to family-owned businesses, their goals, opportunities, and challenges are truly more unique—and personal—than most. To better understand what matters most to them, we surveyed 100 family enterprise leaders about governance, succession, technology, and more over the next 12 months. The results are telling: AI adoption is now a top business priority. Board members with specialized tech expertise are in high demand, but hard to find. Most family businesses feel well-prepared for leadership succession. And M&A activity is expected to help strengthen supply chain networks.
View full report for in-depth insights, or keep reading to explore key takeaways and statistics.
What are family enterprise leaders currently prioritizing?
view the use of AI as their top strategic priority.
plan to strengthen their supply chain through M&A activities.
are actively seeking board members with technology expertise.
Key survey takeaways
- AI use will continue to rise. Increasing the use of artificial intelligence is the leading strategic priority over the next year, followed closely by technology investments.
- Tech-savvy board members are in demand. Two-thirds of family enterprises have added or are adding members with technology expertise.
- Succession planning is no longer an afterthought. Nearly half of surveyed family business leaders feel well or very well prepared for leadership succession.
“Family enterprises are navigating a pivotal moment—balancing the need to prepare the next generation of leaders with the imperative to invest in transformative technologies to keep their organizations competitive now and in the future.”
Laura Pearson, US family enterprise leader, Deloitte Private
About the survey
What’s top of mind for private enterprises? Approximately every quarter, we survey 100 private company leaders to find out. We ask them about strategies, risks, and opportunities they see ahead for their private or family-owned enterprise. That research turns into private company outlooks—which provide you with the most useful insights for now and in the near future. Check out some of our recent topics below, and discover how fellow private enterprises navigate growth, financials, talent, and more.
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