New DSG Global Survey by The Harris Poll Identifies Data Security and Financial Accountability as Top Risk Factors for Technology Implementation

Nearly Two in Five Decision Makers Anticipate Increasing Technical Fluency Across the Executive Team and Upskilling Existing Leaders as Top C-Suite Opportunities in the Year Ahead

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DSG Global, an award-winning executive search and consulting firm reimagining leadership, today announced findings of a Harris Poll survey of more than 300 U.S. leaders with technology decision-making responsibility and found that more than half (56%) identified data security, privacy, and intellectual property [IP] concerns as the single biggest risk factors that their organizations are facing when implementing new and emerging technologies, including but not limited to AI.

As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, fiscal responsibility also remains a significant priority for leadership teams. The study found that 40% of decision-makers are concerned about increased costs that do not result in measurable productivity gains while more than one in three mentioned change management as well as legal, regulatory or compliance uncertainty. These findings suggest that while the appetite for innovation is high, the focus for 2026 has shifted toward securing assets and ensuring clear returns on investment.

"The most effective leaders today are those who can navigate the complexities of data security and high-stakes financial investment," said Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. "With over half of organizations prioritizing security and intellectual property, the demand for tech-aware leadership has never been greater."

The survey also identified challenges and opportunities when implementing new technologies across current and future C-Suite over the next 12 months. Notably, insufficient technical literacy [including AI and cyber] among non-technical executives was identified as one of the biggest challenges with nearly three in ten citing succession gaps for technology leadership roles and limited board-level fluency in technology, AI and cybersecurity.

Additionally, the survey also identified opportunities for professional development and strategic growth across the C-suite with nearly two in five technology decision-makers citing increasing technical fluency across the executive team and upskilling existing executives as the most significant talent-related opportunities for their C-suite in the coming year.

"The goal for today’s boards and executive teams is to move from awareness to action," added Alexander. "By prioritizing technical fluency as a core leadership competency, companies can mitigate the risks of security and cost while turning potential hurdles into long-term competitive advantages."

For more information and resources, visit www.dsgco.com.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of DSG Global from February 11-17, 2026, among 317 U.S. adults aged 21+ who are employed full-time at the director level or higher and hold decision-making responsibility for technology within their organizations. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the full sample data is accurate to within +/- 5.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

About DSG Global (Diversified Search Group)
DSG Global is an award-winning executive search and consulting firm that partners with clients to cultivate the talent and leadership they need to navigate today and thrive tomorrow. With broad expertise and a commitment to long-term partnership, we help organizations reach their full human potential and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.