CLA Heartbeat Index™: The Voice of Business

The CLA Heartbeat Index captures the pulse of business, turning real-world sentiment into a clear view of how organizations are adapting, investing, and planning for what’s ahead.
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The next phase of AI adoption

AI remains one of the most frequently discussed priorities among business leaders. Yet the latest CLA Heartbeat Index™ suggests many organizations are still working to translate investment into measurable performance gains.
In this report
72.2%
Positive outlook for the next 12 months
69.9%
Confidence the workforce has the skills needed for future strategy
68.6%
Confidence in the ability to expand, grow, or invest in priorities
49.5%
Positive assessment of recent technology or AI investments in improving efficiency or performance

  • Jen Leary, CEO

    “The Heartbeat Index gives us a direct view into those who power the real economy and the communities they serve. What we’re hearing isn’t a lack of confidence. It’s a more disciplined kind of confidence.

    Our clients are the true heartbeat of this country, and they still see opportunity, but they’re asking sharper questions about cost, talent, technology, and how every investment creates measurable value.”

  • James Watson, Chief Solutions Officer

    “These findings reflect what we hear from clients every day: AI has enormous potential, but value does not come from technology alone.

    That’s why CLA continues to invest in AI, digital solutions, data, governance, and our people. Our goal is to help clients move from experimentation to execution, identifying practical use cases, reducing manual effort, improving decision making, and creating more time for strategic conversations that help organizations grow confidently.”

Looking ahead

Technology investment leads near-term priorities

Business leaders are balancing caution with a continued focus on productivity, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.

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A different view of business

  • Real-time business pulse

    Conducted three times a year, the CLA Heartbeat Index shares perspectives from across the country on growth, talent, technology, and the economy.

  • Beyond the headlines

    Go beyond economic indicators to better understand the factors influencing organizational outlook and performance.

  • What’s next for business

    Each edition captures what leaders are thinking, planning, and prioritizing as business conditions continue to shift.

Turning business sentiment into practical insight

Economic indicators tell part of the story. The CLA Heartbeat Index adds another perspective by capturing what leaders are experiencing and planning in real time.

Each edition explores topics such as:

  • Business confidence and economic outlook

  • Workforce readiness and talent challenges

  • Technology and AI adoption

  • Growth and investment priorities

  • Cost pressures and profitability

  • Industry and community trends

Get the latest findings from the CLA Heartbeat Index and see how organizations are approaching growth, technology, talent, and change.

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Gain perspective on what comes next

Whether you're evaluating AI investments, planning for growth, or navigating change, CLA can help you move forward with confidence. To get started, submit the form below.