Government and the 16th Annual Global CEO Survey

21 February 2013
News Release
Government and the 16th Annual Global CEO Survey:

PwC’s report calls for a new way of working between business and the public sector


More risk, more discussion and more sharing and understanding between the business and public sector are the key outtakes from this year’s PwC Government and the 16th Annual Global CEO Survey: a new contract between business and the state.

Speaking on the report released today, PwC Partner Phil Royal says, “Businesses have now faced several years of disruption marked by sustained uncertainty that has required them to become ever more resilient to succeed.

“PwC’s survey of business and public sector leaders shows the feedback is clear: in the current economic environment, a new way of working between business, government and public sector leaders is needed to help businesses grow and deal with uncertainty and to improve social wellbeing for all.

“We’re calling for a greater mutual collaboration between New Zealand’s public and business leaders,” says Mr Royal.

PwC’s report draws on the responses of 1,330 worldwide business leaders and the views of 42 government and city council organisations, including leading representatives from the New Zealand Department of Corrections, the State Services Commission, Inland Revenue and Auckland Council.

The report sets out what business needs from the public sector and the thinking of public sector leaders. It suggests how governments and public sector organisations must help deal with uncertainty, build resilience and engage with businesses.

Mr Royal adds, “The challenges and uncertainty that stem from the global financial crisis have driven New Zealand’s Government policy and initiatives in working more closely with business. It is encouraging to see how the New Zealand Government is continuing to encourage a public sector attitude that is friendly to businesses and willing to reach out to together tackle society’s challenges.”

The report identifies four key areas where governments and local councils should work together:
• dealing with deficits
• improving skills and employability
• developing infrastructure
• adopting a smarter approach to regulation.
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“The success of the business and private sector is inextricably linked. Public sector leaders can help by setting the tone for the dialogue and by taking personal responsibility to make things happen, both within their organisations and with their external stakeholders,” Mr Royal says.

“New Zealand’s leaders have an important role to play in reducing complexity and helping their organisations become more agile and in creating an environment for meaningful change that has an eye on long-term outcomes. Global CEOs say uncertainty over economic growth continues to be their main concern. The global trend of fiscal deficits, debt burdens, taxes, energy costs and over-regulation is also relevant to New Zealand. Working through these concerns will be crucial to ensure a smooth return to economic growth and business confidence,” concludes Mr Royal.
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Notes to the editor:

1. The research for Government & the Global CEO: A new contract between business and the state involved a series of interviews with 42 government representatives and state-backed CEOs. The findings from this qualitative research were used to supplement the quantitative survey comprising 1,330 interviews with CEOs in 68 countries during the last quarter of 2012. A full copy of the report can be found at www.psrc.pwc.com
2. The Public Sector Research Centre (PSRC) is PwC’s online community for insight and research into the most pressing issues and challenges facing government and public sector organisations, today and in the future. The PSRC enables the collaborative exchange of ideas between policymakers, opinion formers, market experts, academics and practitioners internationally. Please visit: www.psrc.pwc.com
3. PwC helps organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in 158 countries with over 180,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

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