Dutch CEOs are most concerned about over-regulation by government as a challenge to their company’s growth prospects, according to the latest PWC survey of chief executives world wide.

Nevertheless, almost three-quarters expect the global economy to recover in the coming months and a majority think their company will benefit from this. The tech, pharma and telecom sectors in particular are optimistic.

‘Society as a whole wants to move on, and that applies to CEOs and the sectors in which they work as well,’ PWC Nederland chairman Ad van Gils said.

CEOs are also more aware of their social responsibilities, Van Gils said. ‘Politicians and government are not the only ones responsible for solving society’s major problems. Companies are slowly beginning to realise that if you are part of society and derive your success from it, then you also have a broad responsibility toward it as well.’

Nevertheless, two in five CEOs said over-regulation was likely to be a major challenge to their company’s growth prospects and 38% said cyber threats. Pandemics, populism and climate change completed the top five.

When asked about the agenda for the next government, 61% of the CEOs surveyed say speeding up measures to combat climate change is the main issue. The development of a well-educated workforce was in second place.

The report also showed just 13% of Dutch CEOs are looking at their company’s geographical footprint and just 1% are considering changing international travel strategies.

The survey involved interviews with 141 Dutch CEOs.