July 14, 2025
2 Min Read
A new report from Autodesk, 2025 State of Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction, reveals that digital transformation and AI adoption are no longer just buzzwords—they're driving real-world success in the construction industry.
According to the survey, companies that have fully automated workflows and actively use AI, termed “digital leaders,” are seeing stronger financial performance, higher bid win rates, and greater tech confidence. A striking 82% of these leaders feel optimistic about their economic future, compared to just 52% of beginner organizations.
While excitement around AI has cooled slightly—from 80% to 68% believing in its potential—the report says this shift reflects a maturing outlook, where AI’s true value must now be proven through measurable outcomes. Use cases like project billing, invoice automation, and service notifications are already delivering tangible benefits.
Sustainability efforts are gaining traction, with 94% of firms taking eco-conscious steps, and 63% leveraging AI to monitor emissions and optimize energy usage. Interestingly, two-thirds of leaders report that sustainability also helps attract and retain talent.
With 55% of construction leaders citing a shortage of skilled workers and 63% concerned about an aging workforce, firms are broadening hiring strategies. A majority (65%) are focused on bringing in younger, more diverse talent, especially among digital leaders (82%).