C-Suite Outlook 2025: Germany Edition

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C-Suite Outlook 2025: Germany Edition

28 February 2025 / Report

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Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI are reshaping the strategic priorities of executives in Germany in 2025. This report, based on the C-Suite Outlook 2025 survey, explores how business leaders are responding to external pressures, leveraging digital transformation, and advancing sustainability to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

Key Insights

Global tensions and domestic political instability add up to a volatile environment for executives in Germany, heightening trade risks and economic uncertainty. More than one in three executives in Germany expects US–EU–China tensions to have a significant impact on their organizations in 2025. A very high percentage (86%) of executives anticipate changing their supply chains to mitigate disruptions and contain costs.

Rising energy and labor costs are driving businesses to restructure operations and improve efficiency. More than one in three executives prioritize cost reduction and AI governance as internal focus areas in 2025. By integrating AI-driven process automation and supply-chain optimization, German companies can reduce costs while maintaining resilience and competitiveness in an uncertain economic climate.
Almost 40% of executives in Germany cite carbon neutrality and renewable energy as their top environmental priorities for 2025. The high ranking for the former is likely influenced by Germany’s Climate Change Act and broader EU policies. Companies need to accelerate their transitions to renewables, invest in emissions tracking systems, and integrate sustainability into the business to ensure compliance and long-term resilience.

Author

Ioannis Siskos

Senior Research Fellow, Environmental, Social & Go…
The Conference Board

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