The report, published on April 16, 2025, revealed that 72 per cent of leaders across Design and Make industries believe AI will enhance their industry, and 71 per cent say it will make their sector more creative. But challenges remain around talent shortages, as well as concerns from business leaders that AI will destabilise their industry before they see real benefits.
As businesses navigate ongoing geopolitical shifts and increasing supply chain fragility, Autodesk said, many are struggling to prepare for future uncertainties. According to the report, only 65 per cent of UK leaders feel well prepared to handle unforeseen future macroeconomic and geopolitical changes, while supply chain fragility has risen by six percentage points in the last year (felt by 46 per cent of leaders this year, compared to 40 per cent in 2024).
Other challenges felt by business leaders – from the architecture, engineering, construction, design and manufacturing industries, for instance – include: cost control and management (40 per cent), technological advancements including AI (29 per cent) and attracting, training and retaining talent (27 per cent).
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Despite turbulent economic markets, over two-thirds (68 per cent) of UK business leaders are increasing investment into technology in order to deliver improved project outcomes, higher than the global average (64 per cent). But while optimism around AI use remains, concerns are surfacing within businesses.
In fact, 76 per cent of companies plan to invest more in digital skills training in the next three years, recognising the urgency of upskilling. In the meantime, organisations are also placing greater emphasis on AI fluency, with 53 per cent of leaders identifying it as the most important skills when hiring over the next few years – up from 43 per cent last year.
The report also found that trust in AI is coming under increasing pressure. While it remains high, confidence in AI decision-making has dropped, with 70 per cent of professionals expressing confidence in their company’s ability to make the right decisions regarding AI, compared to 86 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, less than two-thirds (63 per cent) of respondents say they trust the use of AI in their field – a decrease from 79 per cent the previous year.
“It’s no surprise that the Design & Make industries are feeling the pressure, not least because of an uncertain economic environment,” commented Marek Suchocki, Head of Industry Associations Strategy at Autodesk.
“However, this pressure is also a catalyst for transformation. By investing in upskilling the workforce with specialised AI training and building trust in these tools, UK businesses can equip their workforce with the skills needed to thrive. This approach will empower them to revolutionise the way they design and make, boost creativity and achieve sustainable growth.”
Sustainability
Sustainability is quickly becoming a critical differentiator for companies seeking to drive growth, build resilience, and attract top talent. In fact, the perception of sustainability is undergoing a significant shift – evolving from regulatory burden to a powerful, profitable opportunity. Over two-thirds (69 per cent) of business leaders believe that investing in sustainability initiatives can generate over five per cent additional annual revenue.
This year, AI has solidified its place as the top sustainability enabler for Design and Make organisations, with more than a third of UK respondents saying they are using AI to be more sustainable. Meanwhile, sustainability efforts are also proving to be a powerful tool in the war for talent. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of leaders said that their sustainability initiatives are helping to attract and retain talent.
“Despite some growing pains, it’s clear that UK leaders are still confident in AI’s ability to reshape industries for the better," added Suchocki. "As the initial hype around AI evolves into practical implementation, we’re observing a strategic shift towards businesses using AI to drive sustainable value. This year’s findings are clear – businesses embracing AI thoughtfully are better positioned to navigate economic uncertainties and create lasting value across the sector.”
The 2025 State of Design & Make report can be accessed and read in full here.
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