Design and make industries, including architecture, engineering and construction, are showing a surprisingly high level of trust in AI, leading to increased investment as they chase greater productivity and improved sustainability, according to new research.
The 2024 State of Design & Make report by Autodesk found that sectors such as architecture, engineering and construction, design and manufacturing, and media and entertainment see AI as a as a current tool, rather than a futuristic pipedream.
Collectively, these industries employ nearly 300m people worldwide and by 2027 will represent $30tn in value globally.
Digitalisation reaches “tipping point”
Optimism is on the rise among industry leaders, who feel their companies are far more resilient than last year – and digitally mature companies report even greater success. Nearly three-quarters (73%) believe they are prepared to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes, up 14 points from 2023.
Some 76% said they trust AI for their industry and half say they are approaching or have already achieved their goal of incorporating the technology.
The rise of AI in design and make
Businesses are using AI to increase productivity and automate work, and leaders predict that generative AI will help people make crucial design decisions about physical products, buildings and digital assets in the next several years.
- 79% of respondents say AI will make their industry more creative.
- 78% say AI will enhance their industry, with the same number saying they are confident their company will make the right decisions regarding AI.
- 72% say their organisations have increased spending on AI and emerging technology in the past three years.
- 77% state they will continue to invest in AI and emerging technology in the next three years.
- 39% stated AI will help automate mundane, repetitive tasks.
- 35% said AI will supplement a skills gap.
Sustainability commitments key to company success
Changing attitudes around sustainability are driving progress, with leaders investing in energy efficiency, materials reduction and more sustainable processes.
- Nearly all companies surveyed (97%) have taken actions to improve their sustainability.
- 87% of industry professionals believe improving sustainability practices is a good long-term business decision and 78% say they are proud of their company’s sustainability efforts.
- 69% say sustainability is good for short-term business success, up 25% from last year’s report.
Companies are focused on upskilling
The top three digital skills companies are looking for include: the ability to work with AI, digital design and software development/programming. This is a result of high costs forcing companies to become more economic; however, as workforces tighten, the skills and technical education that employees possess are falling short of meeting essential business needs.
- 71% of respondents consider digital maturity a top attractor of talent.
- 41% say the ability to implement/work with AI is the top technical skill companies will be prioritising for hiring decisions over the next three years.
- 77% of companies consider upskilling and training important, yet only 38% have the necessary skills and resources to design internal training programmes.
- 43% of industry professionals say that access to skilled talent is a barrier to their company’s’ growth.
Andrew Anagnost, president and CEO of Autodesk, said: “While capacity and economic constraints have dominated industry conversations, it’s not surprising to see increased trust and optimism in AI, digital transformation and sustainability, as our customers aim to be more efficient and cost-effective.
“As the world confronts unprecedented challenges, technology is our most powerful tool for designing and making a better world for all.”
