The 2025 State of Design & Make Report is Autodesk’s third annual global study examining how leaders across the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO); design and manufacturing (D&M); and media and entertainment (M&E) industries are responding to major shifts in technology, sustainability, and workforce dynamics. By highlighting key trends and challenges, the report aims to help organizations make informed, strategic decisions about how to prioritize and invest for the future.
Digital maturity isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage.
Here are the top three insights manufacturers need to pay attention to—and how IMAGINiT can help you act on them.
1. Digital Transformation Delivers Real ROI
Why it matters:
According to the report, over half of digitally mature design and manufacturing (D&M) organizations report at least a 50% improvement in productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction. They’re also more resilient, adaptable, and confident in the face of disruption.
The IMAGINiT perspective:
Transformation isn’t just about buying new tools—it’s about aligning people, processes, and data across the organization. IMAGINiT’s Digital Transformation Services help manufacturers modernize workflows, eliminate silos, and unlock insights from design through delivery. From implementation to custom integration, to automation and training, we help teams accelerate ROI and stay competitive.
2. Sustainability Is No Longer Just a PR Play—It’s a Profit Driver
Why it matters:
71% of D&M leaders now believe sustainability can add at least 5% to annual revenue. And unlike past years, the motivation isn’t just stakeholder pressure—organizations are taking ownership because sustainability is good business.
The IMAGINiT perspective:
Sustainable manufacturing starts with smarter design. IMAGINiT helps customers leverage tools like generative design and simulation to reduce waste, minimize material use, and design for disassembly or reuse. Less Waste = Saving Money
3. AI is Reshaping the Industry—But Only for the Ready
Why it matters:
AI is now the leading sustainability enabler in D&M. But here’s the catch: while enthusiasm for AI remains high, only 35% of leaders say they’re close to achieving their AI goals. The rest are struggling with implementation, skills gaps, and unclear value.
The IMAGINiT perspective:
AI is powerful—but only when paired with clean data, connected systems, and strategic planning. IMAGINiT helps clients take a phased, value-focused approach to AI readiness - ensuring your digital foundation is strong enough to support AI-driven innovation. That said, there are powerful AI tools within the Autodesk Fusion Platform to help kickstart your venture into this new AI driven age. Learn more about Fusion & AI
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Final Thought: Don’t Fall Behind
The report is clear: digitally mature manufacturers are outpacing their competitors in nearly every category—from productivity and sustainability to talent retention and market expansion. If your organization is still operating in silos, relying on outdated systems, or unsure how to scale transformation, now is the time to act!
Let IMAGINiT help you connect your people, processes, and platforms to design and make better—faster. Contact us to help you put these insights into to action!
Check out the full report here
