Autodesk’s 2025 State of
Design & Make report reveals India is leading APAC in using AI to meet
sustainability goals, even as companies struggle with a shortage of skilled
talent and growing AI trust concerns.
Autodesk, Inc. has released
its 3rd annual State of Design & Make report, spotlighting India’s
leadership in using AI to drive sustainability. The report reveals that more
than half of Indian business leaders are already using AI to deliver
environmentally responsible outcomes which is way above the global average
including APAC.
Indian business leaders are
optimistic about AI's transformative potential with 79% believing that AI will
enhance their industry, well above the global average of 69%. As AI becomes
more integral to business strategy, 52% of leaders say the ability to work with
AI will be their top hiring priority in the coming years, reflecting a clear
want for future-ready talent.
At the same time, 61% of
Indian leaders acknowledge AI’s potential to disrupt their industry,
highlighting the importance of adaptability in navigating change. This
perspective is even more prominent among digitally mature organizations, where
65% anticipate significant industry shifts, compared to 52% of their less
mature peers.
India leads APAC in using AI for sustainability, with a
strategic shift underway
Indian companies are at the
forefront of leveraging AI to drive sustainability across the Asia-Pacific
region. Over half (52%) of Indian business leaders say they are already using
AI to support environmentally responsible outcomes- well above the global
average of 39%. As digital transformation gains momentum, many organisations
are now moving beyond compliance, viewing sustainability as a core business
strategy.
In fact, 86% of Indian
leaders believe sustainability initiatives could contribute over 5% to their
annual revenue. Among digitally mature firms, 84% of leaders report that their
sustainability efforts help attract and retain talent, compared to 67% at less
digitally mature companies. While challenges such as skills gaps and trust in
AI remain, sustainability is increasingly seen as a long-term growth driver
rather than just a response to external pressure.
"Indian businesses are
not just adopting AI, they're using it with purpose. By integrating AI into their
sustainability efforts, they’re turning compliance into competitive advantage,
said Alok Sharma, Director AEC, Autodesk
India and SAARC. “This strategic shift is driving real impact, from revenue
growth to talent attraction, placing India at the forefront of sustainable
innovation in the region.”
Skills shortage slows innovation, but companies are taking
action
Even as AI and digital
technologies gain ground, a growing skills gap is slowing progress. According
to the report, 67% of Indian business leaders say a shortage of skilled workers
is limiting their growth. Hiring the right talent remains a challenge, with 68%
struggling to find candidates with the necessary technical skills. 67% of the
leaders surveyed have even had to part ways with employees whose skills didn’t
meet evolving business needs.
In response, 78% of Indian
companies plan to increase investments in digital skills training in the next
three years, as they look to future-proof their workforce and sustain
innovation.
“Indian businesses clearly
recognise the long-term value of AI and sustainability, but building the right
talent and trust is essential. Investing in skills, especially AI fluency, will
be key to unlocking future growth. The future of innovation hinges on
empowering our workforce with the right AI expertise and building trust in this
technology, or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Autodesk India is also driving several strategic initiatives with leading
academic institutions to address the skill gap in the design and make
industry," said Alok Sharma.
Indian businesses remain
optimistic about AI’s potential, but growing concerns are starting to affect
trust. Confidence that their companies will make the right decisions regarding
AI has marginally dipped to 81% from 85% last year %, while overall trust in
the technology stands at 79% compared to 82% in 2024. These concerns mirror a
broader regional sentiment, with 61% of APAC business leaders in digitally
mature companies worried about AI’s potential to disrupt their industries.
Still, nearly 79% of Indian leaders plan to increase their investment in AI,
recognising its value as a long-term strategic priority.
“While trust in AI may be
facing some challenges, Indian businesses continue to see its immense
potential. The declining confidence in decision-making highlights the need for
responsible implementation, but the commitment to long-term investment remains
strong.”, Alok added. “AI is not
just a trend, it's a cornerstone of strategic growth and innovation for the
future.”
