That’s data from the EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook 2026 — a survey of 1,200 CEOs across 21 countries conducted in Nov–Dec 2025.

The backdrop explains the urgency

97% of companies are undergoing a significant transformation or are about to start one.

“The majority of CEOs now report that they are either in the midst of a significant enterprise-wide transformation initiative (52%) or plan to begin one in 2026 (45%).”

At the same time, “61% of CEOs anticipate higher operating costs in 2026.”

The pressure is real: transform faster while spending more carefully.

What are they optimizing for?

“Globally, 43% of CEOs identify optimizing operations and improving productivity, including digitalization, as their top desired outcome.”

40% prioritize “improving customer engagement and retention”.

It’s telling that customer retention is now higher priority than accelerating growth (36%).

Now the partnership spike makes sense

Companies need to transform, digitize, engage customers and grow faster.

79% of CEOs plan to pursue strategic alliances and JVs in 2026, up from 62% in 2025 — a “sharp rise that underscores the appeal of partnerships in unlocking access to new capabilities.”

Why? Because “these collaborations offer a pragmatic route to accelerate innovation and share risk.”

It concludes: “Alliances and JVs are emerging as critical levers for speed, flexibility, and adaptability in an environment where transformation cannot wait.”

AI technology is no longer experimental

Reflecting on AI impact, 20% of CEOs say that AI outcomes are “significantly above expectations”, and 58% “somewhat above” — 78% above expectations in total.

But scaling AI enterprise-wide requires capabilities most companies don’t have in-house.

As we discussed before, strategic alliances—whether with hyperscalers, technology vendors, or implementation partners—are becoming the default path to close that gap.

The EY data suggests we’re in a new phase: one where alliances are essential infrastructure for transformation and growth.

What’s your read—are you seeing the same urgency from your customers and partners?

Source: research.

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