2026 Chief Strategy Officer Survey: Amid Persistent Volatility, CSOs Face Rising Expectations and Limited Bandwidth
Deloitte's CSO survey reveals a structural authority gap: 95% of CSOs expect AI disruption to reshape priorities, but only 28% co-lead AI decisions and only 16% use AI to fundamentally reimagine business lines — the strategy function is being simultaneously elevated in expectation and hollowed out in execution capacity.
Summary
Deloitte's 2026 CSO survey finds 72% of strategy chiefs optimistic about company prospects vs. 24% for the global economy, reflecting 'persistent volatility as operating condition.' Central finding: a pronounced AI ownership gap — 95% expect AI to materially reshape strategy, but only 28% co-lead AI decisions. Strategic bandwidth is a second structural constraint: CSOs are disproportionately consumed by process management rather than market
Editor's opinion
Deloitte's CSO survey reveals a structural authority gap: 95% of CSOs expect AI disruption to reshape priorities, but only 28% co-lead AI decisions and only 16% use AI to fundamentally reimagine
Key concepts
CSO role evolution · AI ownership gap · strategic bandwidth constraints · growth strategy reprioritization · capital reallocation toward productivity · volatility as steady state