PHILADELPHIA, PA — More than half of U.S. technology decision-makers cite data security, privacy, and intellectual property risks as their top concern when adopting emerging technologies, according to a survey released by DSG Global.
The executive search and consulting firm said the Harris Poll survey of 317 U.S. leaders found 56% identified those risks as the biggest challenge facing their organizations as they implement technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The survey also found financial concerns remain significant, with 40% of respondents citing rising costs without measurable productivity gains. More than one-third pointed to change management challenges and legal, regulatory, or compliance uncertainty.
DSG Global said the findings indicate that while companies continue to invest in digital transformation, leadership priorities are shifting toward protecting assets and ensuring returns on investment.
Chief Executive Officer Aileen Alexander said organizations are increasingly focused on balancing innovation with risk management.
“The most effective leaders today are those who can navigate the complexities of data security and high-stakes financial investment,” Alexander said. “With over half of organizations prioritizing security and intellectual property, the demand for tech-aware leadership has never been greater.”
The survey identified gaps in technical expertise among executives as a key challenge, with nearly 30% of respondents citing limited technical literacy in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity among non-technical leaders.
Respondents also pointed to succession gaps for technology leadership roles and limited board-level understanding of technology as ongoing issues.
At the same time, nearly 40% of respondents identified improving technical skills among executives as a key opportunity, including increasing fluency in technology across leadership teams.
“The goal for today’s boards and executive teams is to move from awareness to action,” Alexander said. “By prioritizing technical fluency as a core leadership competency, companies can mitigate the risks of security and cost.”
The survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of DSG Global from February 11 through February 17, 2026, among 317 adults age 21 and older who hold director-level or higher roles with responsibility for technology decisions.
The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 5.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, according to the survey methodology.
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