According to a poll, almost 70% of Indian CEOs are concentrating on digital investments, including AI

A change in boardroom priorities and financial limitations have caused almost 16% of CEOs to place sustainability lower on their priority list.

According to an EY poll, around 70% of Indian CEOs are planning to increase productivity over the next 12 months by investing in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

The report pertains to CEOs in India, who are dedicating twice as much time to technology transformation as their worldwide counterparts—at 47 percent.

The "EY CEO Outlook Pulse Survey" data specifically for India reveals that despite geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the global economy, investments in AI remain strong.

According to EY's analysis, "it's important to note that pursuing cost optimization across business facets (50 percent) and fortifying data management and cybersecurity (56 percent) also stand out as critical strategic imperatives in the near term."

The poll also shows that the top strategic drivers of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) operations are now the purchase of technology, new manufacturing capacities, and creative startups.

Eighty-one percent of the CEOs questioned are optimistic about the sales prospects of their firms, and an even greater eighty-eight percent are confident about profitability. The M&A scene is reflecting this optimistic attitude as well; an astounding 96 percent of respondents are actively considering mergers in the next year, mostly via initial public offerings (IPOs).

According to the release, Amit Khandelwal, Managing Partner, Strategy along with Transactions, EY India, "in the M&A landscape, a higher percentage of CEOs as well as investors are seeming to be bullish, actively seeking deals, influenced by tech acquisition, market expansion, consumer modifications, and supply chain security."

According to the poll, while most CEOs (60 percent) acknowledge that sustainability is becoming more important than it was a year ago, over 16 percent of CEOs say that sustainability is not their top concern. This is due to budgetary limitations and a change in the agenda in boardrooms.

According to EY, the poll reveals a startling disparity: whereas 44% of respondents firmly recognize how sustainability concerns affect their supply chains, 40% also admit to "green hushing" because they are afraid of being accused of "Greenwashing."

Furthermore, 42% acknowledge that it might be difficult to make a strong financial case for sustainability initiatives.