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An Insight into Autodesk's 2025 State of Design & Make Report

Autodesk, Inc. recently unveiled its third annual State of Design & Make report, providing critical insights into the Design and Make industries. This comprehensive study, which surveyed nearly 6,000 leaders, futurists, and experts, uncovers the growing challenges associated with talent acquisition and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

Current Landscape of Design and Make Industries

According to the report, those in the Design and Make sectors—such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing—employ approximately 300 million people worldwide and are projected to hold a $30 trillion value by 2027. The report emphasizes that the current geopolitical and economic landscape has not deterred leaders from pursuing investments in AI, technology advancement, and sustainability efforts.

Andrew Anagnost, President and CEO of Autodesk, stresses that the accelerating pace of innovation, coupled with a demand for sustainability, is reshaping the skill requirements in these industries. He notes, "This creates both a challenge and a massive opportunity for Design and Make leaders."

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

While the excitement surrounding AI continues in the Design and Make sectors, the enthusiasm is starting to dim as companies grapple with the complexities of implementing these advanced technologies. One significant issue is the shortage of qualified talent to drive AI initiatives forward. The survey reflects a notable decline in trust regarding AI's role, with nearly 48% of respondents expressing concern that AI could destabilize their industries—a substantial increase from the previous year.

Despite these reservations, a substantial number of leaders, more than two-thirds, remain optimistic and plan to ramp up AI investments. However, with only 40% of professionals reporting that they are close to meeting their AI goals, it is clear that more work lies ahead.

Navigating a Skills Crisis

The skills shortage remains a significant hurdle for business growth, particularly concerning AI competencies. A staggering 46% of leaders identify AI skills as a top hiring priority for the next three years. Roughly 58% of survey respondents indicate that limited access to skilled talent is a barrier to growth, a noticeable rise since last year.

The report also underlines that many organizations are struggling to develop robust internal training programs to upskill their existing workforce. Nearly half of professionals believe their organizations lack the resources to implement effective training initiatives, signaling a critical need for strategy reassessment.

Sustainability: A Key to Growth

As companies navigate economic pressures, sustainability has emerged as a crucial differentiator in attracting and retaining talent. The report reveals that 75% of respondents from tech-advanced companies assert that sustainability efforts help attract skilled individuals. Furthermore, 72% of business leaders recognize that sustainability could contribute over 5% to their annual revenues.

Enhancing sustainability through advanced technology, with 39% of companies reporting the use of AI to improve their eco-initiatives, indicates a positive trend. As firms align their technology investments with sustainability goals, it becomes increasingly clear that those committed to sustainable practices are set to gain a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

The findings from Autodesk's comprehensive report underscore the pressing need for a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of AI and sustainability in the Design and Make landscape. As the industry faces a rapid transformation, those willing to invest in bridging the skills gap and fostering new talent will undoubtedly emerge as leaders in the future. For a complete overview of the findings, visit Autodesk.com to explore the full 2025 State of Design & Make report.