Directors grapple to fully recognize ROI on innovation investments while managing risk as technology reshapes corporate governance.
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BDO USA released its 2025 Board Survey today, an annual report that polled over 200 public company board directors on their priorities and challenges in the coming year. As digital innovation continues to dominate boardroom agendas, many directors feel pressure to demonstrate returns on their technological investments — a challenge increased by changing workforce adoption needs. According to BDO’s survey, nearly one-third (32%) of directors feel that advancing the use of emerging technology implementation will require the most board time and attention in the next year, and 23% still believe their tech implementation lags competitors.
“As directors continue to prioritize growth and innovation, many boardrooms are faced with the human side of digital integration and relentless market volatility. Companies must not only keep pace with competitors but also master implementation to drive meaningful ROI and mitigate risk,” said Amy Rojik, founder of the Center for Corporate Governance at BDO USA. “Effective oversight and value delivery requires collaboration and thoughtful dialogue between management teams and boards, robust change management and integration plans, and an iterative risk and innovation strategy that centers around people just as much as technology.”
In addition to capturing board sentiment on economic uncertainty, regulatory change, and technological disruption, the survey also revealed insight into how directors will approach growth, risk, and human capital considerations of the board, management, and the broader workforce over the next 12 months:
Primary Paths for Growth: Directors increasingly see product development and strategic dealmaking as their top levers for growth in 2026. The report shows that over half (53%) of directors plan to increase investment in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2026, with 30% reporting that strategic dealmaking and partnerships will be their board’s primary focus in the year ahead. Another 31% of directors say that their board is most focused on investing in new products and services for growth, and roughly three-in-four (73%) plan for increased strategic investments in research and development. However, success in all areas will hinge on strong integration plans that consider culture, human capital management, technology debt, and operational excellence.
Technology Implementation Risk: As companies race to deploy AI capabilities, boards are looking to balance speed with caution, BDO’s survey reveals. Nearly one-quarter (23%) see rapidly innovating and developing AI capabilities as the most significant challenge to their business. While trying to keep pace with competitors, boards will also have to navigate the challenges of data privacy and properly train their talent for generative AI adoption to see success. Yet, 17% of boards admit to not having a robust vision for technology implementation and the mitigation of cybersecurity risk.
Human Capital Management & Leadership Dynamics: BDO’s survey also reveals an increased focus on talent and leadership development to navigate AI’s changing impact on the workplace. Over half (51%) of directors are planning increased investments in their workforce, and an equal percentage are specifically targeting training and skills development programs. Directors are also looking into additional skills and experiences that can enhance a board’s ability to govern, drive culture, and develop the C-suite to drive long-term strategy. This is underscored by the 58% of directors who see room for improvement in their management team’s work on talent oversight and workforce development.
As boards prepare for 2026, evolving business needs demand that directors and their management teams sharpen their focus on skills across strategic oversight, risk management, and workforce development. Learn more about how directors perceive the ability of both the board and management to address these and other issues by downloading the 2025 BDO Board Survey report here.
About the 2025 BDO Board Survey
Conducted by Rabin Roberts, an independent market research consulting firm, on behalf of the BDO Center for Corporate Governance, the 2025 BDO Board survey examined the opinions of more than 200 corporate directors of public company boards in August and September 2025. Respondents sit on public boards across a variety of industries including, but not limited to, technology, retail, nonprofit, manufacturing, financial services, energy, healthcare, life sciences, real estate, education, and hospitality.
Survey questions included a mix of “select one,” “select three,” or “select all that apply,” which account for the distribution of responses.
About BDO USA
Our purpose is helping people thrive, every day. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax, and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. For more information, please visit: www.bdo.com.
Contacts
Aedyn Gorenberg
(847) 508-6509
[email protected]
