Autodesk, released the 2025 State of Design & Make report, exploring sentiments from leaders across Design and Make industries on managing cost control, embracing emerging technologies and addressing the talent and skills gaps. Despite experiencing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the majority of leaders continue to invest in AI and technology advancement, acquisitions and sustainability across the board. Although AI and tech investments have slowed post-2024 hype, early adopters are beginning to benefit and refine their strategies.
The talent crunch continues to impact business growth. Leaders are struggling to find employees with the right technical skills while also lacking the resources to build effective internal training programmes. This widening skills gap is pushing leaders to rethink their workforce strategies.
- 46% say AI skills will be a top hiring priority over the next three years
- 58% of professionals report that a lack of access to skilled talent is a barrier to growth, a 15-point increase from last year
- 61% say new employees with the right technical skills are difficult to find, up 16 points from 2024
While companies are acknowledging the importance of upskilling, many are struggling to address these challenges with on-the-job training and continuous learning that could help their employees – and their businesses – keep up with the rapid pace of transformation.
- Nearly half (48%) of professionals say their organisations lack the resources to design internal training programmes — a 10-point increase from last year
- 77% of tech-advanced companies plan to increase investments in digital training, compared to 59% of less tech-advanced companies