Investors are urging businesses to balance investments in artificial intelligence (AI) with workforce development, according to PwC’s 2024 Global Investor Survey. The report, based on responses from 345 investors and analysts across 24 countries, reveals that 74% expect organisations to increase spending on employee upskilling alongside AI initiatives.
As detailed in the survey, nearly a third of respondents anticipate AI adoption will lead to workforce expansion, while 32% believe staffing levels will remain stable. The findings indicate that many investors see AI and employee development as complementary priorities rather than competing interests.
Investors also have high expectations for returns on AI investment, with 66% predicting productivity gains and 63% forecasting revenue growth within the next year. Technological change was identified as the top driver of business transformation by 71% of respondents, surpassing concerns such as regulatory challenges and supply chain instability.
Wes Bricker, PwC’s Global Assurance Leader, said that investors “expect to see real outcomes from GenAI over the next year” and emphasised the importance of supporting AI with investment in people and operational reinvention. Bricker also noted that businesses would likely face increased scrutiny on their ability to deliver measurable productivity improvements.
The survey also highlights cautious optimism about the global economy, with 51% of respondents predicting growth over the next 12 months. However, concerns about cyber risks and geopolitical conflicts persist, with both cited by 36% of participants.
