Manufacturing and product design leaders are navigating a landscape defined by complexity, but also opportunity. According to the 2025 State of Design & Make report, digital transformation continues to deliver measurable gains for those who embrace it. Companies identified as digitally mature are not only seeing over 50% improvements in productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction, but also gaining a strategic edge—launching products faster, improving talent retention, and entering new markets despite economic pressure. These organizations are proving that digitization isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundational strategy for resilience and growth.
AI has also cemented itself as a key sustainability enabler in manufacturing. Nearly 40% of companies report using AI to design more sustainably, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency. Particularly in sectors like industrial machinery and product design, AI is being applied early in the design process to “bake in” environmental responsibility from the start. However, sentiment toward AI is shifting from hype to realism. While optimism remains, implementation hurdles—including cost, regulatory ambiguity, and integration complexity—are tempering expectations. For leaders in manufacturing and design, the report makes clear: digital maturity and thoughtful use of AI are no longer experimental—they’re essential.
If you’re involved in manufacturing or product design, this report is a must-read. It goes beyond surface-level trends to provide actionable insights from nearly 5,600 global leaders. You’ll learn how top organizations are leveraging digital tools, AI, and sustainable practices to stay competitive, even in uncertain times. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to sharpen your strategy, the full report offers the benchmarks, success metrics, and emerging challenges that can guide smarter decisions.
