In a world where ideas are rapidly turning into reality, the industries that design and make our buildings, products, and experiences are evolving fast. The 2025 State of Design & Make report by Autodesk offers a deep dive into this transformation—highlighting the biggest challenges, emerging trends, and the role of digital tools in shaping the future.
Whether you’re an industry leader or simply curious about where innovation is headed, this report brings clarity to a complex and fast-moving landscape.
A Quick Look at Autodesk’s Latest Industry Report
Each year, Autodesk publishes the State of Design & Make, a global report that helps leaders in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and media understand where their industries are headed. This report is more than just stats—it’s a roadmap to help businesses make smart decisions in a fast-changing world.
Whether it’s turning a sketch into a school or creating the next big blockbuster, the industries that design and make our world are facing big shifts. And Autodesk’s report dives into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of this space.
So, What is “Design & Make”?
Great question! The term Design & Make refers to the industries and processes that take creative ideas and turn them into real-world things—like buildings, cars, and even movies. It’s a mix of creativity, tech, and skilled work.
Over the last 40+ years, as technology has evolved, a new category of work has emerged—combining design tools and making methods into one powerful process. And this industry is huge: around 295.7 million people work in Design & Make fields across the globe.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Report
Let’s break down the biggest insights from this year’s State of Design & Make report:
1. Rising Costs & Unstable Supply Chains
With inflation and supply chain problems sticking around, controlling costs is the #1 challenge for many companies.
2. AI and New Tech: Exciting but Tricky
Companies are eager to use AI and other emerging tech—but making it work in day-to-day operations isn’t always easy. Many struggle to find practical ways to apply these tools, and worries about the impact of AI are growing.
3. The Talent Gap is Real
Nearly two-thirds of organizations say they can’t find enough skilled workers. And this shortage is slowing down innovation and growth.
4. Global Uncertainty = Less Confidence
Between economic pressures and political instability, many business leaders feel unprepared for what’s next.
But There’s Still a Lot to Be Optimistic About
It’s not all doom and gloom—far from it. Here are some reasons to feel hopeful:
- Leaders are still investing: Even with current challenges, over two-thirds of companies say they’ll increase their investments in the near future.
- Sustainability is gaining traction: Nearly all leaders say they’re making their operations more eco-friendly. It’s also a huge draw for attracting top talent.
- AI is helping sustainability efforts: Despite mixed feelings about AI, many companies are using it to support sustainability—like managing natural disasters or improving how projects are planned and executed.
The Digital Maturity Advantage
One of the biggest factors that separates thriving companies from struggling ones? Digital maturity.
In the report, companies are considered “digitally mature” if they’ve either completed or are close to completing their digital transformation journey. These companies are way ahead of the game compared to those just getting started.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- More resilient: They’re 41% more likely to diversify their supply chains and handle sudden changes better.
- Faster and smarter: They use their internal data to make better decisions, roll out new products more quickly, and finish projects faster.
- Better at hiring: They see a 22-point improvement in attracting and keeping skilled talent.
- Ready to grow: Digitally mature companies are more likely to enter new markets and make strategic acquisitions—even when others are pulling back.
How Autodesk Helps Companies Lead the Way
With tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion, Autodesk is at the heart of digital transformation in the Design & Make space. These tools help companies work smarter—not harder—by streamlining workflows, encouraging collaboration, and reducing waste.
Autodesk is also helping organizations become more sustainable and future-ready, supporting their journeys with powerful software and insights like those found in this report.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Digital
The 2025 State of Design & Make report makes one thing clear: businesses that invest in digital transformation are better prepared to face whatever the future brings.
From managing costs and embracing AI to finding the right talent and going green, the companies leading the way are the ones that adapt—and Autodesk is helping them get there.
So if your business is part of this world of design and making, now’s the time to lean into digital tools, think long-term, and keep building—smarter and more sustainably than ever.
