For investors, the Capgemini Research Institute's "Investment Priorities for 2025" report - published in support of the World Economic Forum Davos 2025 - provides an accurate snapshot of the global corporate mood: companies are optimistic about themselves, but not about the world..

While 62% of 62% of executives confident in their organization's growth, only 37% view the global 37% are positive about the global environmenta gap that explains the bias toward efficiency and cost control. and cost control that will dominate 2025. that will dominate 2025.

Half of large companies plan to increase their total increase their total investmentThe main targets for spending are automation, digitization and process optimization, although with a more strategic than expansive focus. Simply put, it's not about spending more, it's about investing better..

The report highlights three trends with direct implications for markets:

1. The renaissance of supply chain spending:
   A 63% of business leaders plan to bolster their investment on this front-a 15-point jump over 2024-driven by the quest for resilience and diversification. The rise of friendshoring and the adoption of technologies such as AI and IoT (internet of things) in logistics management suggest a wave of industrial and technological projects focused on traceability and efficiency.

1. Sustainability, more stable than expansive:
   Although 62% of companies will increase their "green" investment, the projected growth (10.5%) is lower than in 2024 (12.2%). Sustainability is no longer a fad but is consolidating as a regulatory and reputational requirement. Priorities: climate tech, sustainable product design, and water and biodiversity management..

1. Technology and the geographic divide:
   The United States leads the technology race, allocating. 1.45% of its revenues to new technologies, compared to 1.29% in Europe.compared to 1.29% in Europe. This difference is equivalent, according to the report, to an investment gap of US$165 billion. investment gap of US$165 billion.. For investors, this divergence anticipates a wider productivity and profitability gap between developed markets - with Europe lagging behind, over with Europe lagging behind, especially among medium-sized companies.

The artificial intelligence tops technology investment priorities: three out of four executives plan to increase it by 2025. However, 61% warn that the digital talent digital talent shortage threatens their organizations' competitiveness, which could underpin demand for specialized technology services and AI training.

The report also points to relevant risks: trade tensions (70% fear the impact of new tariffs) and a possible fragmentation of global trade. fragmentation of global trade, which the IMFwhich the IMF estimates could subtract up to US$7.4 trillion from the world economy.

In summary, Capgemini paints a scenario where companies - and by extension investors - will have to balance micro optimism with macro prudence. Opportunities will lie in sectors that combine technology, sustainability and operational efficiencyThe opportunities will be in sectors that combine technology, sustainability and operational efficiency, pillars that will mark corporate and investment strategy during 2025.

You can download the full report here.

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Source: Capgemini