Investment trends 2024

The future is looking bright for businesses.

From January 15 to 19, leaders from business, government and civil society are convening at the 54^th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2024) in Davos, Switzerland, in search of solutions to critical global challenges. As a WEF strategic partner, Capgemini is taking part in those critical conversations and is releasing the 2024 edition of the Capgemini Research Institute report on organizations’ investment priorities: Embracing a brighter future: Investment priorities for 2024.

Drawing insights from business leaders of 2,000 organizations operating across 15 countries and multiple sectors, the report reveals that 56% of business leaders are optimistic about their organizations’ future growth. Fueled by growing positivity and confidence in their abilities, companies are planning a more proactive route compared to the watch-and-wait approach of recent years. This means that there is likely to be an increase in organizations’ investments.

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The report confirms that technology and digital tools continue to be an important investment for companies with AI being highlighted as a key area of focus. Due to the recent acceleration of generative AI tools, many organizations are recognizing the potential of generative AI as a tool to drive innovation, productivity, and revenue growth. Almost 9 in 10 organizations plan to focus on AI, including generative AI, within the next 12–18 months.

The report also found that 52% of organizations are expected to increase their investments in sustainability. The importance of sustainability cannot be overstated and 61% of organizations view a lack of sustainable practices as an existential threat. Over half of the global business leaders who were surveyed for the report said that their companies will increase investments in clean technology in the US and Europe over the next two to three years. Economic incentives, like those offered by the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan in Europe, are playing a pivotal role in driving sustainability investments.

Supply chains are also predicted to be another prominent area for investment. Supply chain vulnerability is a concern for 41% of business leaders. This is in part because of the disruptions supply chains have faced in the past few years. Geopolitical and environmental factors, trade conflicts, and an over-reliance on China have caused major logistical issues in the past and could cause further issues going forward. To mitigate risks, 45% of business leaders are considering friend-shoring a significant portion of their sourcing or production in the future. Almost half (49%) are investing in emerging economies to reduce their dependency on China.