The Global Board Survey 2025, conducted by InterSearch Worldwide and Board Network – The Danish Professional Directors Association, captures insights from 3034 board members across 83 countries on the pressing challenges, trends, and strategies shaping corporate governance.

Key Survey Insights:

1. Increasing Board Responsibilities: The survey underscores a consistent increase in the time and effort required from board members, reflecting the growing complexity of their roles amid global disruptions. With a focus on strategic foresight, boards are dedicating more time to critical areas such as AI, risk management, and geopolitical strategies.

2. Economic and Political Volatility: As the global economic and political order becomes more volatile, boards are forced to navigate through a maze of trade barriers, political tensions, and regulatory changes. This volatile environment demands that boards enhance their capabilities in scenario planning and risk assessment to safeguard their organizations.

3. Technological Advancements: The rapid evolution of technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the corporate landscape. Boards are increasingly called upon to integrate advanced technological strategies into their governance practices to stay competitive and manage emerging risks effectively.

4. Shifts in Board Composition and Diversity: There is a noticeable shift towards enhancing board diversity, not only in terms of gender and ethnicity but also in competencies. Boards are actively seeking expertise in emerging fields such as digital transformation, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability to address the expanding scope of their governance roles.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Governance: Amidst growing global concern for environmental and social issues, boards are prioritizing sustainability and ethical governance. This shift is driven by stakeholder expectations and the imperative to align corporate strategies with broader societal goals.

Strategic Implications for Boards:

• Adaptability and Resilience: Boards must cultivate adaptability and resilience, preparing to pivot strategies swiftly in response to global shifts. This involves embracing a culture of continuous learning and scenario planning to anticipate and react to potential crises and opportunities.

• Enhanced Geopolitical and Cultural Acumen: Given the increasing impact of geopolitical tensions on business operations, boards need to develop a deeper understanding of international relations and cultural nuances. This will enable them to make informed decisions that consider the global implications of their strategies.

• Integration of Advanced Technologies: To leverage the benefits of AI and other digital innovations, boards should integrate these technologies into their operational and strategic frameworks. This will enhance decision-making processes, improve efficiency, and foster a competitive edge in the digital era.

• Commitment to Comprehensive Governance: The evolving role of boards necessitates a comprehensive approach to governance that incorporates ethical considerations, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability into the core of business strategies.

The “Global Board Survey 2025” provides a crucial snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s boards. As they navigate through periods of discomfort, the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead ethically will distinguish successful boards. This document is a must-read for executives, board members, and anyone interested in the future of corporate governance. It provides invaluable insights and data on board compositions, the impact of AI and geopolitics on corporate strategies, and much more. A great resource for understanding the complexities and opportunities in today’s global business environment.

For an in-depth exploration of these findings and to understand the future trajectory of board governance, download the full “Global Board Survey 2025” report here:

Special recognition to the author of the survey and the publication, Jakob Stengel, Managing Partner of Case Rose | InterSearch, Global Head of Board Practice and Founder & Chairman of Board Network – The Danish Professional Directors Association.