Societal and technological risks have risen up the agenda for G20 business leaders, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Executive Opinion Survey. While fears of an economic downturn still dominated near-term concerns, the survey reflects growing anxieties around weakening public services, limited economic opportunity and the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

The survey, conducted with Marsh and Zurich Insurance, gathered views from more than 11,000 voices across over 100 countries. Economic downturn remained the top near-term threat for G20 executives for the third year running. Social risks linked to insufficient public services and social protections ranked second, followed by lack of economic opportunity. Inflation slipped to fourth.

Technological threats linked to misinformation and disinformation appeared in the top five for the first time, reflecting concerns about AI driven information warfare and its implications for markets, elections and critical infrastructure.

Commenting on the findings, James Crask, head of multinational clients advisory at Marsh, said: “As UK businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape, they face significant challenges that demand immediate strategic action. While the combined threats of an economic downturn and recession pose a direct risk to growth and stability, gaps in public services and social protections…as well as persistent talent and labour shortages, have the potential to undermine the foundations on which businesses rely to thrive.

“Further, the pervasive spread of misinformation and disinformation threatens to distort markets, erode trust, and hinder operational capacity and innovation. Addressing these interconnected risks requires coordinated efforts from government, industry and communities to build resilience and foster a more resilient and inclusive future for UK businesses.”

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