According to Workiva’s 2026 Executive Benchmark Survey, 79% of executives are focusing on prioritizing data automation and governance to address enterprise-wide data gaps exposed by ongoing geopolitical instability. The survey is cross-industry and not specific to biopharma, however, the results complement those found in a recent Deloitte life sciences executives report.
Workiva, which offers an AI-based data workflow and reporting platform, surveyed professionals across finance, accounting, sustainability, internal audit, operations, and legal departments at global organizations. Most organizations listed dedicated IT support (73%) and allocated budgets (71%) as ways to address data gaps in 2026.
The following are other key takeaways from the survey:
Reliable data as a pillar for finance transformation
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73% of respondents report dedicated IT team support for transformation initiatives.
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71% have secured dedicated budgets for these efforts.
Tying AI investments to strategic goals
Organizations are leveraging the technology to improve financial decision-making. Nearly all respondents (91%) reported that AI has enhanced the timeliness and value of their decisions. However, leaders are scaling AI usage cautiously, implementing guardrails to ensure oversight and control.
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65% of organizations use AI in select components of quarterly or annual disclosures, while 46% use it extensively across the reporting process.
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76% of respondents say internal audit teams test their AI models.
Collaboration between CFO, CIO, and CSO is critical
This executive-level collaboration between chief financial officers (CFOs), chief information officers (CIOs), and chief sustainability officers (CSOs) was brought to bear in the survey.
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96% of respondents agree that CFOs, CIOs, and CSOs must unite around a shared data governance strategy.
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96% believe better access to shared data improves the likelihood of achieving optimal business outcomes.