Stanton Chase Belgrade CEO Survey: Leadership in the Era of Uncertainty

Nearly 100 CEOs across Southeast Europe rank geopolitical instability as their top business concern for 2026, with AI adoption lagging and qualified talent increasingly hard to find.

The “Leadership in the Era of Uncertainty” report looks at how senior executives across Southeast Europe are responding to a business environment where disruption has become the norm. Stanton Chase Belgrade surveyed nearly 100 CEOs across eight industries on how they assess risk, plan for growth, adopt technology, and look after their people. 

Most leaders remain cautiously optimistic despite the uncertainty around them. Around 60% expect revenue growth of 5% to 10% in 2026, and product development (44.74%) ranks as the top growth driver over the next three to five years, ahead of new market entry and M&A. Technology, automation, and digitalization (66.67%) lead investment priorities, followed by cost optimization (57.33%). 

Notable findings from the survey include: 

• 53.95% of CEOs named geopolitical tensions as the external factor with the greatest impact on their business in 2025 
• AI adoption across the region averages just 2.56 out of 5, though over 90% of executives believe it already delivers or will soon deliver measurable value 
• 68.42% say the changing expectations of younger generations represent the biggest demographic pressure on their business 
• 63.16% report a persistent shortage of qualified technical talent 
• 89.47% rank adaptability and willingness to learn as the most important employee skill for 2026 
• 77.63% identify strategic thinking under uncertainty as the most valued leadership competency 
• 72.37% say the most effective way to retain talent in hybrid settings is to focus on outcomes rather than physical presence 
• 59.21% of companies invest in flexible work arrangements as their primary mental health initiative 

The full report is available for download and includes detailed breakdowns of all 24 survey questions, respondent commentary, and a concluding analysis of what makes organizations in the region most resilient.