Investing in generative AI is the top priority for most CEOs around the world, according to a recent survey.

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A report from accounting firm KPMG found that 72% of company CEOs say it is their top investment priority, despite uncertain economic conditions.

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Generative AI can create new content like text, images and music by learning patterns from existing data.

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More than 1,300 CEOs — all from companies with annual revenues of at least $500 million — took part in the survey. And they said that their reasons for investing in generative AI included hopes of increased profitability, more innovation and help with protection against cyber attacks.

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Steve Chase from KPMG said: "With proper planning and execution, generative AI can transform how work gets done."

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And 57% of CEOs said that they're now spending more on buying new technology than on developing the skills and capabilities of their workforce.

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But they don't all expect an immediate return on their investments. About 62% said they thought it could take between three and five years for the company to see a return, while only 21% thought it would come within three years.

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However, many of those who were surveyed feel that it's important for AI to be regulated to ensure that the technology can be implemented successfully.

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According to CNBC, for today's workforce, the take-home message from this survey is that gaining skills in AI should be a priority for those who want to get ahead.

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Experts say that not only do those with AI skills get good salaries, many companies are finding it difficult to recruit people who know how to work with the technology.

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Anant Agarwal, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told CNBC that learning how to get started with writing prompts for generative AI — which he believes is the "single most important" AI skill — can take as little as two hours.