By Fahim Khondaker, 24 September, 2025
In a world defined by disruption, resilience has emerged as the defining trait of successful organisations. BDO’s 2025 Techtonic States report reveals that 61 per cent of global business leaders now rank resilience as the most important quality for navigating the future. For Australian leaders, this insight couldn’t be more timely.
The report, based on opinion research from 1,050 senior executives across ten global markets, including Australia, explores how businesses are responding to geopolitical instability, cyber threats and the accelerating pace of technological change. It finds that while many are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure, confidence in these capabilities remains low.
How data and AI are shaping risk strategy and innovation
The report underscores the transformative role of data and AI in redefining how organisations approach risk and innovation. Across the globe, businesses are turning to predictive analytics, machine learning and real-time data insights to anticipate threats and uncover new opportunities.
However, the report highlights a critical gap: while investment in these technologies is rising, only a minority of leaders feel confident in their ability to extract strategic value from them. Highlighting the need for stronger data governance, cross-functional collaboration and upskilling to ensure data and AI initiatives are not just reactive tools, but proactive drivers of resilience and growth.
Australia’s strategic crossroads
Australian businesses are at a strategic crossroads. While the appetite for innovation is strong, the report highlights a gap in AI adoption across industries. In the retail and consumer sector, for example, 58 per cent of leaders globally are actively pursuing AI solutions to gain a competitive edge. This signals a clear direction for Australian organisations in these sectors to accelerate their adoption strategies and keep pace with global industry trends.
The challenge is not just technological, it’s cultural. Embedding risk-thinking into strategy and operations is essential for building resilience. Australian leaders must move beyond reactive planning and embrace scenario-based approaches that anticipate disruption before it strikes.
Three dimensions of the new business edge
The Techtonic States report outlines three key dimensions that define the ‘new business edge’:
- Build: To make tech investments count, businesses must first establish solid foundations: a clear and integrated strategy, well-structured data and an empowered workforce
- Secure: To build real resilience and protect their edge, businesses must embed robust governance, layered cybersecurity and strong corporate responsibility throughout every stage of technological development
- Grow: Embracing a ‘fail fast, learn faster’ mindset and continuously refining innovations will help teams move from idea to implementation to full-scale infusion. This agile approach will be crucial to stay ahead of evolving customer and workforce needs in a dynamic business landscape.
How BDO can help
BDO is helping Australian organisations build resilience through tailored advisory, digital transformation and risk management strategies. Download the full Techtonic States report to explore how your business can gain its edge in 2025 and beyond. Contact our team to learn more about best practice strategies to support your business’ growth.
Author
Fahim leads BDO’s Data and AI service offering in Brisbane and is a Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales Business School. He has over 15 years of experience across the areas of operational and commercial analysis, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
He is a sought-after thought leader on data analytics and AI in Australia and has spoken at numerous high-impact national and global events.