Autodesk Releases 2024 State of Design and Make Report

Today, Autodesk releases its 2024 State of Design & Make report, highlighting the top trends in the industries it serves. This year's report shines a spotlight on the growing role of AI. 

This year's survey covers "5,399 industry leaders, futurists, and experts from the following industries: architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO); design and manufacturing (D&M); and media and entertainment (M&E)."

Concerns about recruiting skilled workers, however, seem to be decreasing. In 2023, the concern was shared by 62% of the respondents. This year the number dropped to 43%. Instead, cost control has risen above talent shortage as a concern. The report shows "33% of respondents citing it as their biggest challenge."

With the threat of COVID-19 fading, stability and confidence also seem to be returning. "Seventy-three percent say their companies are prepared
to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes, up by 14 points from last year," the report says.

In the latest Autodesk Design and Make report, survey respondents are evenly split on the impact of AI. Image courtesy of Autodesk.

The report estimates "56% of companies are approaching or have achieved their goal of incorporating AI." On the destabilizing effects of AI, the respondents are evenly split: 16% strongly agree, and 16% strongly disagree, with the rest wavering in between. In adoption by region, "Japan, Italy, and Canada are cautious adopters while Germany, the USA, and the Nordics are all-in on AI." In the top three skills sought for the future, "the ability to implement or work with AI" ranks the highest. 

During last Autodesk University (AU) conference, Autodesk released Autodesk AI, based in part on the generative AI features from BlankAI, acquired by Autodesk. Similarly, simulation software maker Ansys has released Ansys AI, offering simulation software users a way to develop surrogate models to accelerate simulation. 

The report also shows a 25% increase in those who believe sustainability is good for business success. "Ninety-seven percent of organizations are
taking steps to improve sustainability—a number that represents a five-point increase over last year, as well as a cross-industry consensus on the importance of becoming more sustainable," according to the report.

Responding to the multiple choice question "What changes has your company or organization already made to be more sustainable?" the use of AI to be more sustainable rises to the top as the number one answer. In 2023, it was the number five answer.

AI rises to the top as a way to achieve sustainability in Autodesk survey. Image courtesy of Autodesk.