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2025 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain

We surveyed 254 leaders in engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and product development to identify developing trends and gather key insights — so you can succeed in 2025 and beyond.

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Introduction

Escalating trade conflicts. Rising global tensions. Tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada. Worsening supply chain disruptions. Manufacturing and supply chain leaders are under more pressure than ever. Yet there’s room for optimism. AI adoption, stronger sustainability commitments, and digital manufacturing solutions are creating new opportunities for adaptability and resilience in the face of these challenges.

The 10th Annual 2025 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report reveals what’s top of mind for manufacturing and supply chain leaders: How to do more with less while managing a host of supply chain disruptions, and the immediate need for innovation, prototyping, and production. For a decade, Fictiv has surveyed industry leaders on their biggest challenges, risk mitigation strategies, and the future of manufacturing.  This year, 254 senior manufacturing and supply chain leaders shared their insights on global uncertainty, accelerating supply chain disruptions, scaling innovation, AI, and sustainability.

Despite many challenges, the 2025 State of Manufacturing Report shows significant progress in many arenas—onshoring is on the rise again, AI is gaining traction, and digital manufacturing continues to drive resilience and innovation.

"Concerns about tariffs and trade wars are clearly top of mind for manufacturing and supply chain leaders. And for good reason. We’re seeing a level of global uncertainty and supply chain disruption we haven’t seen since 2020.”

Dave Evans

Co-Founder and CEO, Fictiv

quotes

Key Results

Growing Global
Business Uncertainty

Concerns about tariffs and mounting trade tensions drive supply chain strategy more than ever. 

96%
report they’re concerned about the impact of the U.S. President’s trade policies.
93%
believe trade wars will likely escalate in the next few years, whereas 42% are now ‘very concerned’—a 6-point increase over 2024.
91%
note that global tensions are being considered in their company’s long-term supply chain strategy—a 5-point increase over 2024.

Key Results

Accelerating Supply Chain
Disruptions

Concerns over supply chain disruptions are growing, making onshoring a crucial element of risk mitigation strategies.

68%
of leaders prioritize onshoring as a key supply chain strategy in 2025, especially in industries needing complex parts at scale, like MedTech, clean energy, and EVs
77%
report a lack of resources (e.g., workforce, budget) severely limits their ability to manage their supply chains effectively (an increase over 2024).
52%
identify supplier quality, reliability, and compliance as significant challenges.

Key Results

Scaling Production More
Difficult Than Ever

Manufacturing leaders face growing barriers to innovation, making it harder to scale production.

91%
face barriers to product innovation and introduction, with nearly half struggling to source fast, high-quality solutions for low-volume builds.
86%
report sourcing parts and materials takes time away from initiatives like new product innovation and introduction, making it increasingly difficult to move into and scale production.
90%
consistently report that digital manufacturing platforms are an essential service for production (up from 86% in 2024).

Key Results

Sustainability Takes Hold

Manufacturing and supply chain leaders continue to recognize the importance of sustainability commitments.

95%
report weather and extreme climate events are impacting their supply chain strategy in 2025.
91%
now have sustainability initiatives and governance in place to help drive sustainability goals.
52%
believe nearshoring and onshoring strategies are critical to supporting sustainability efforts.

Key Results

AI Advances

AI is now the top trend impacting long-term business strategy, and respondents report more advanced AI implementations.

87%
report advanced levels of maturity with their company’s AI implementations.
94%
use AI for manufacturing and supply chain operations, such as inventory management and product design.
56%
identify AI as the leading trend shaping their long-term strategy, with economic headwinds following at 53%.

Growing Global Business Uncertainty

Since 2020, the supply chain has been in disarray, and the increasingly volatile supply chain landscape appears to be getting worse. The U.S. President’s stance on tariffs is setting the stage for greater disruption moving forward. As of this writing, tariffs on goods and oil products for Mexico, Canada, and China are paused for now, but that will likely change—reinforcing existing fears of escalating trade wars. In fact, over 93% of respondents report concerns about escalating trade wars—an increase over 2024 (89%). This reflects mounting concerns about tariffs (and retaliatory tariffs), as well as intractable regional conflicts like those in Ukraine.

“As the era of tariff uncertainty continues, the most resilient supply chains will be those that can adapt to rapid changes. The key lies in integrating technical and institutional expertise—whether by cultivating in-house knowledge or partnering with seasoned professionals who understand the complexities of international trade and tariffs. By embracing flexibility, rethinking traditional cost optimization, and implementing strategies like first sale, tariff engineering, strategic sourcing based on country of origin, FTZ utilization, and duty drawback, advanced manufacturing operations can safeguard their competitiveness in a turbulent market.”

Dennis Arnow

Cofounder, NextGenIndustry

quotes

fig. 1

Trade War Concerns Increasing

How concerned are you that trade wars might escalate in the next few years? Choose the one answer that mast closely applies.

Very Concerned

Somewhat Concerned

Not Concerned

fig. 2

Global Tensions Play Critical Role In Supply Chain Planning

Are global tensions (e.g., Russia/Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, sanctions, etc.) being considered in your company’s long-term supply chain planning efforts? Choose the one answer that most closely applies.

Yes, this is a significant factor

Yes, but it is a minor factor

No, it is not a planning consideration

Growing Global Business Uncertainty

Tariffs, Costs, & Profitability

President Trump and his Administration’s stance on tariffs takes center stage this year. In fact, 96% of manufacturing leaders anticipate the President’s policies will impact their supply chain, particularly costs and profitability (57%).

In addition to the issues surrounding costs and profitability, respondents also noted that localized manufacturing back to the U.S. will become a top priority (53%), with 48% saying tariffs will drive business uncertainty.

“More than ever, access to multiple geographies is critical to optimal supply chains. For example, with lower tariffs on parts imported from regions like India and the country’s strong commitment to manufacturing and exports, India is emerging as a critical strategic sourcing region.”

Uday Shenoy

India GM, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 3

96% Are Concerned About the New Administration’s Impact on Supply Chains

What concerns do you have about how the policies of the new president and his administration could impact your company’s supply chain? Choose all that apply.

Growing Global Business Uncertainty

Economic Headwinds (& AI) Heavily Impact Strategy

In 2025, the global manufacturing industry is anticipating major economic hurdles, tariffs, and geopolitical instability, as well as climate-related disruptions. Whereas in 2024, 47% reported economic headwinds as a major factor in their long-term strategy, in 2025, 53% reported they are taking economic headwinds into account.

Similar to previous years, those surveyed also report that AI impacts their company strategy (56%) (see further in the report for more on AI). Other reported impacts include increasing competition (41%) and labor costs and shortages (41%).

In addition to the issues surrounding costs and profitability, respondents also noted that localized manufacturing back to the U.S. will become a top priority (53%), with 48% saying tariffs will drive business uncertainty.

“This global uncertainty, along with rising trade tensions, highlight the need for supply chain and manufacturing leaders to build a resilient, agile supply chain that can adapt to the expanding usage of tariffs, increasing localized supply chain disruptions brought on by extreme weather events and geo-political conflicts.”

Andy Sherman

U.S. GM, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 4

AI & Economic Headwinds Most Impact 2025 Strategy

Which of the following trends MOST impact your company’s 2025 strategy? Choose up to three of the following.

Accelerating Supply Chain Disruptions

Just as global uncertainty has become a defining force for manufacturing and supply chain leaders, there are equally difficult challenges in this new era of supply chain management. These include supplier quality, lack of resources, reliability, and the new U.S. Administration.

The results back this up: Despite a nominal decrease from last year, 77% of manufacturing and supply chain leaders still report a lack of workforce and insufficient budget among their top challenges.

ACCELERATING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

Majority Report Lack of Resources as Central Challenge

In 2025, the global manufacturing industry is anticipating major economic hurdles, tariffs, and geopolitical instability, as well as climate-related disruptions. Whereas in 2024, 47% reported economic headwinds as a major factor in their long-term strategy, in 2025, 53% reported they are taking economic headwinds into account.

Similar to previous years, those surveyed also report that AI impacts their company strategy (56%) (please see page # for more on AI). The implementation of tariffs will likely have a larger impact on perceived headwinds moving forward as the current Administration is taking a more aggressive approach to trade policy, which drives business uncertainty. Other reported impacts include increasing competition (41%) and labor costs and shortages (41%).

fig. 5

77% Say Lack of Resources Impacts Ability to Manage Supply Chain Effectively

Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements.

ACCELERATING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

Supplier Quality Tops Concerns

In 2025, the global manufacturing industry is anticipating major economic hurdles, tariffs, and geopolitical instability, as well as climate-related disruptions. Whereas in 2024, 47% reported economic headwinds as a major factor in their long-term strategy, in 2025, 53% reported they are taking economic headwinds into account.

Similar to previous years, those surveyed also report that AI impacts their company strategy (56%) (please see page # for more on AI). The implementation of tariffs will likely have a larger impact on perceived headwinds moving forward as the current Administration is taking a more aggressive approach to trade policy, which drives business uncertainty. Other reported impacts include increasing competition (41%) and labor costs and shortages (41%).

“Based on these results, I believe 2025 will be as tumultuous as 2020 in terms of the supply chain. 77% say they won't have resources. Another two-thirds of these leaders are driving onshoring, and half of them are still dealing with supplier quality, reliability, and compliance.”

Dave Evans

Co-Founder and CEO, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 6

Quality, Reliability, And Compliance Top Supply Chain Concerns

What concerns do you have about your company’s existing supply chain? Choose all that apply.

Supplier quality, reliability, and compliance are also top of mind for 52% of manufacturing leaders, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent production standards. Additionally, 38% cite a lack of supply chain visibility as a major issue, making it harder to anticipate disruptions and manage logistics effectively. Labor costs are also a significant factor, with 37% of respondents identifying rising wages and workforce shortages as key challenges impacting their operations and time to market.

ACCELERATING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

Moving Production Closer to Home

Business leaders use various strategies to help mitigate supply chain risk and supply chain disruptions, and interest in nearshoring and onshoring is part of that strategy. In fact, 68% of leaders report onshoring to the U.S. as a key strategy in 2025, followed by nearshoring (50%) and diversifying global manufacturing operations (39%). Relocating manufacturing closer to domestic supply sources and customers is especially relevant in regulated industries with highly complex parts like MedTech, Clean Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Robotics.

“Over the last few decades, U.S.-based companies outsourced more and more of their manufacturing to lower-cost regions. That trend has started to reverse. U.S. factory infrastructure investment is at its highest point in decades. And that's the result of nearshoring and onshoring demand, and why companies are looking to be able to leverage U.S. manufacturing to de-risk their supply chains”

Andy Sherman

U.S. GM, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 7

Production Strategies Are Trending Toward Onshoring

Which of the following statements represents your company’s strategy? Choose all that apply.

Managing supply chain risks associated with logistics, transportation, quality, geopolitical instability, and tariffs is driving many leaders to move more definitively toward onshoring. By reducing reliance on distant suppliers, companies can improve resilience, enhance speed-to-market, and gain greater visibility and control over production processes, ultimately strengthening their overall supply chain strategy and competitive posture. Though diversifying global manufacturing operations overseas has decreased since 2024 (from 46% to 39%), it registers as an important strategy for more than one-third of organizations.

However, even as businesses consider moving back to the U.S., they want to keep overseas and nearshoring options open. While it makes sense that more manufacturing and supply chain leaders desire a diversified manufacturing footprint, offshoring to China has increased to 39% (an increase from 36% in 2024).

For the second year, nearshoring to Mexico has stayed at 46%, while offshoring to Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia) has increased by 7 points. We anticipate these numbers will shift as tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are now a centerpiece of U.S. trade policy.

“What’s driving onshoring to the U.S. and nearshoring to Mexico is the accelerating rate of global supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. The wave of new tariffs introduced during the early months of Trump’s presidency represents the continuation of an international trade environment that is becoming increasingly more difficult for supply chain leaders to forecast and plan against. Developing supply chain resiliency is more critical than ever.”

Sabrina Paseman

General Partner, Omni Ventures

quotes
“China remains an excellent strategic sourcing region. There are logistics solutions in place to counter the latest tariffs, and we’re well positioned to save our customers on landed costs and mitigate other cost and profitability impacts.”

Cameron Moore

China GM, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 8

Latin America And China Top Locations for Outsourcing

Where are you most likely to outsource manufacturing? Choose all that apply.

Scaling Production More Difficult Than Ever

More than previous years, manufacturing and supply chain leaders continue to face significant barriers to innovation and new product introduction, making it nearly impossible to scale production. The most persistent issue remains difficulty sourcing high-quality, low-volume builds for new product development (49%). This challenge has consistently ranked as a top concern among manufacturing leaders since 2023, highlighting the ongoing difficulty finding reliable suppliers that meet strict quality standards, while accommodating smaller production runs. This also makes moving to full scale production extremely challenging.

As companies push for faster innovation cycles, the need for flexible, high-quality manufacturing partners has never been greater. Without dependable sourcing options in place, delays, cost overruns, and compromised product quality can hinder new product development, making it a critical area for strategic investment and improvement.

“The biggest challenge facing many companies is bringing their prototype to mass production. Even if you have an excellent product, market demand, and a well-articulated go-to-market plan, it’s difficult to bring the product to market fast enough to remain competitive.”

Dave Evans

Co-Founder and CEO, Fictiv

quotes

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Sourcing Low-Volume Builds for New Product Innovation Top Barrier

fig. 9

91% Say They Face Barriers to New Product Innovation

What barriers does your organization face with new product innovation?

Beyond sourcing challenges, leaders also report slow feedback loops (39%), limited manufacturing feasibility (38%), and rigid internal supply chain processes (36%) as major roadblocks to innovation. These obstacles hinder agility and delay critical advancements, including future innovation across key industries like MedTech, Robotics, and Clean Energy.

Scaling up production following prototyping is also a significant challenge.

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Time Engineers Spend Sourcing is Increasing

Furthermore, the time engineers spend on sourcing and procurement activities is rising significantly. In 2024, 13% of engineers dedicated more than eight hours per week to these tasks. By 2025, that number grew to 19%, a 6-point increase. This growing burden on engineering teams highlights the increasing complexity of supply chain management and the pressing need for more efficient, service and technology-driven sourcing solutions to streamline workflows to enable engineers to focus on higher-value design and innovation efforts.

fig. 10

% of Engineers Spending More Than 8 Hours Per Week on Procurement Higher Than 2024

How much time would you estimate a typical engineer spends on supplier sourcing, management, quote, and order activities on a weekly basis? Choose the one answer that most closely applies.

At the same time, 76% of engineers spend more than 4 hours per week on procurement activities, which interferes with the time they could spend on new product design innovation and introduction.

fig. 11

76% Estimate Engineers Spend More Than 4 Hours Per Week On Procurement Activities

How much time would you estimate a typical engineer spends on supplier sourcing, management, quote, and order activities on a weekly basis? Choose the one answer that most closely applies.

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Digital Manufacturing: Key to Scaling Production

There is cause for optimism, however. The majority report that digital manufacturing and on-demand manufacturing are key to overcoming barriers to innovation and production. In fact, 90% of leaders consistently report that digital manufacturing platforms (like Fictiv) are an essential service for production (up from 86% in 2024).

fig. 12

90% of Leaders Say Digital Manufacturing Platforms Are Essential

Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements.

“One of the best ways to counter massive supply chain disruptions is to leverage digital manufacturing that uses AI and predictive analytics. This provides access to a managed network of suppliers spanning multiple geographies, allowing for a bill of materials to be optimally sourced as your product moves through its product life cycle.”

Andy Sherman

U.S. GM, Fictiv

quotes

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Digital Manufacturing Helps Scale Production

To solve the many challenges facing today’s manufacturing and supply chain leaders, an increasing number are turning to Digital manufacturing. This approach provides manufacturers with the flexibility and responsiveness needed to adapt quickly to shifting market demands and production needs. It’s quickly becoming a go-to strategy for businesses aiming to streamline operations, ensure the safety of supply, and stay competitive. 90% of leaders say that Digital manufacturing platforms are increasingly essential for manufacturing and supply chain management. 

“Digital manufacturing streamlines operations, enhances supply chain resilience, ensures supply continuity, and helps businesses stay competitive. It does this through real-time visibility, seamless collaboration, and intelligent automation across global production networks, mitigating risks associated with traditional supply models.”

Uday Shenoy

India GM, Fictiv

quotes

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Faster Development Cycle Times with On-Demand Manufacturing

In fact, 99% of those using on-demand manufacturing report experiencing benefits. The most common advantages include faster development cycles (56%), improved quality (51%), and enhanced transparency (45%), showcasing the widespread effectiveness of on-demand manufacturing in addressing the complexities of modern manufacturing and supply chain management.

fig. 13

Faster Development Cycles Are the Most Frequent Benefit Gained From Using Digital Manufacturing Platforms

What benefits has your company experienced from digital manufacturing platforms? Choose all that apply.

SCALING PRODUCTION MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER

Benefits of a Single Manufacturing Partner from Prototype to Production

Another way to reduce barriers to innovation is by using the same high-quality manufacturing partner from prototype to production. Supplier consistency and reliability help address many of the challenges associated with new product innovation and introduction. In fact, 65% of respondents say on-demand manufacturing improves parts consistency. The same percentage also reports that it speeds up turnaround times from development to product introduction. Additionally, over half of respondents find that it simplifies design iterations at every stage of development.

Other benefits include assurance of supply, faster product handoffs, reduced risk to reliability, and improved compliance. By maintaining a consistent manufacturing partner, companies can streamline the entire process, making it more efficient and reliable.

This efficiency not only supports operational goals but also aligns with sustainability initiatives. A consistent partner can help reduce waste, optimize resource use, and implement more sustainable practices throughout the production cycle.

“Very few manufacturers offer the agility necessary to move quickly at the early stage of rapid prototyping while also having the management systems and automation necessary to be able to effectively support production. That said, staying with the same manufacturer from prototype to production reduces the cost of supplier management and allows companies to get to market faster, which is crucial for any companies that seek to remain competitive.”

Andy Sherman

U.S. GM, Fictiv

quotes

fig. 14

Majority Report Benefits of Working With the Same Manufacturing Partner from Prototype to Production

What benefits has your company experienced from digital manufacturing platforms? Choose all that apply.

Sustainability Takes Hold

As climate-related disruptions intensify, companies are reevaluating their supply chain strategies to build greater resilience. From diversifying supplier networks to investing in digital manufacturing solutions, businesses are seeking ways to mitigate risks and ensure continuity in an era of growing environmental volatility.

This growing urgency is driven by real-world events that have already disrupted supply chains on a massive scale. In 2024, the United States experienced a significant increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events, including hurricanes, severe storms, droughts, floods, wildfires, and winter storms. It follows that In 2025 over 95% of manufacturing and supply chain leaders report that weather and climate events impact their supply chain strategy. It’s no wonder, given the increasingly dramatic economic impacts of climate change.

Recent news of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Accords and reversing key Biden-era policies like the Inflation Reduction Act will undoubtedly affect sustainability strategies. However, sustainability has become deeply ingrained in the governance of many companies, driven by the pressing impacts of climate disasters on supply chains. These challenges highlight the urgency of sustainable practices despite the shifting policy landscape.

fig. 15

95% Say Weather and Climate Events Impact Supply Chain Strategy

How would you rate the impact of sudden weather events or climate change on your supply chain strategy?

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES HOLD

Sustainability is a Priority for Leaders

Sustainability is no longer just a goal—it’s a priority for manufacturing leaders navigating the challenges of 2025. In fact, 95% of manufacturing leaders say it’s important for their company to implement sustainable practices in 2025. 54% have implemented an internationally recognized sustainability management system (e.g. ISO 14001), and half have developed a formalized plan.

fig. 16

92% Say their Company has Actions in Place to Achieve their Sustainability Goals

What types of governance has your company put in place to achieve your sustainability goals? Choose all that apply.

fig. 17

95% Say It’s Important to Implement Sustainable Practices in 2025

How important is implementing sustainable practice and initiatives to your company in 2025?

"As climate-related disruptions intensify, companies must build greater resilience into their supply chain. From diversifying supplier networks to investing in digital manufacturing solutions, businesses should seek ways to mitigate risks and ensure continuity in an era of growing environmental volatility. Despite progress in sustainability commitments over the past two years (92% say their company has actions in place to achieve sustainability goals, an increase over 2024), we’re likely heading into a year of continued climate-related disruption.”

Nate Evans

CXO and Co-Founder, Fictiv

quotes
“Despite tariff challenges, nearshoring to Mexico remains a strategic option due to its proximity to the U.S.—reducing transportation costs and lead times. Its established manufacturing base offers a skilled workforce and reliable production, while competitive labor costs help offset tariff impacts. Additionally, nearshoring supports sustainability by cutting emissions from long-haul shipping and enabling more efficient, localized supply chains. For companies seeking cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable production, Mexico remains a strong choice..”

Ernesto Chacon

Mexico GM, Fictiv.

quotes

fig. 18

Leaders Agree: Sustainability Is Crucial for the Manufacturing Industry

Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements.

This is likely related to the fact that 92% report customers are seeking companies with sustainable practices. And over 52% are using nearshoring and onshoring strategies to support their sustainability efforts.

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES HOLD

Sustainability & Onshoring

There is also a clear connection between sustainability initiatives and onshoring strategies, as companies seek to reduce environmental impact while strengthening their supply chains. In fact, 79% of respondents who consider sustainability to be “very important” are planning to increase U.S. manufacturing in 2025. This emphasis highlights a growing recognition that localized production can help minimize carbon footprints, enhance operational efficiency, and align with broader environmental goals.

fig. 19

Implementing Sustainability Figures Strongly In Onshoring Strategies

Which of the following statements represents your company’s strategy for 2025?  

BY

How important is implementing sustainable practices and initiatives to your company in 2025?

AI Advances

AI maturity is another defining characteristic of 2025, with over 87% of leaders reporting that their AI implementations have reached either medium or high levels of maturity. This widespread advancement signals a shift from early experimentation to more established and scalable AI-driven processes across critical manufacturing and supply chain functions. From predictive analytics and automated quality control to intelligent sourcing and real-time production monitoring, AI is becoming deeply embedded in operations. However, while adoption is growing, opportunities remain to further expand AI’s role, particularly in optimizing supply chain resilience, enhancing automation, and driving greater efficiencies across the entire manufacturing ecosystem.

According to Sabrina Paseman, General Partner at Omni Ventures, “While manufacturers have embraced readily accessible AI automation, we’re only scratching the surface of AI’s potential to revolutionize manufacturing. AI enabled tech today has done a great job of smoothing existing work flows, but it has yet to provide true predictive intelligence. We envision a future where we can prevent part failures and predict mass production costs, even during the design phase, eliminate scrap, and predict supply chain disruptions before they happen.”

Whereas in prior years, AI garnered excitement as a new technology to drive efficiency, in 2025 it’s clear the implementation of AI in supply chain operations and management is maturing.

fig. 20

94% Say Their Company Uses AI for Supply Chain Operations

In what areas of manufacturing and supply chain operations is your company using Al (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities? Choose all that apply.

In fact, 94% use AI for supply chain operations, including inventory management, quality control and inspections, product design, machine operations and logistics.

fig. 21

87% of Manufacturing Leaders Say Their AI Implementations Have “High” or “Medium” Maturity

Please rate the maturity level of your company’s Al implementations. Choose the one answer that most closely applies.

Future of Manufacturing

Supply chain and manufacturing leaders continue to navigate persistent challenges and economic uncertainty, heightened by concerns over tariffs and trade wars. Yet, optimism remains as technology-driven solutions like AI and on-demand manufacturing become more accessible, offering new ways to enhance efficiency and resilience.

Now more than ever, embracing cutting-edge technologies is critical to overcoming manufacturing and supply chain obstacles. Companies that leverage AI, digital manufacturing, and automation can streamline operations, improve sourcing and vetting, and mitigate risks more effectively.

“It comes down to this: Supply chain and manufacturing leaders can’t use Model-T-era supply chain strategies to tackle today’s supply chain challenges. The future of manufacturing is CleanTech companies like Helion, Mainspring Energy, and Form Energy. Or MedTech companies like TransMed7. Or Robotics companies like Apptronik. These companies are manufacturing an incredible future for all of us. Without a resilient supply chain, we won’t be able to realize our potential, or weather tariffs, climate disasters, or trade wars.”

Dave evans

Co-founder and CEO, Fictiv

quotes

This is a critical year for manufacturing and supply chain management. Businesses that prioritize adaptability and continuous improvement will gain a significant competitive edge in 2025 and beyond. Companies will be well-positioned if they focus on building higher-performing, more resilient supply chains to navigate the road ahead.

About the Research

This is Fictiv’s 10th annual report conducted with Dimensional Research. The report surveyed  254 qualified individuals at the director level or higher levels who worked in engineering, supply chain, production manufacturing, R&D, or digital innovation roles. Most companies produce goods in one of the following industries: clean energy, electric vehicles, robotics, or medtech.

Download the full 2025 State of Manufacturing Report here for more trends and updates on the manufacturing and supply chain industries.

About Fictiv

Fictiv is a global manufacturing and supply chain company that enables organizations to scale globally without the typical barriers of cost, complexity, and risk. By leveraging Fictiv’s four global manufacturing centers in India, Mexico, China, and the U.S., companies can access high-quality production, optimize supply chain logistics, and mitigate supply chain risk—ensuring they can move from prototype to full-scale manufacturing with speed and confidence. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 35M commercial and prototype parts for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth.

For more information about Fictiv’s managed supply chain services, visit www.fictiv.com.

About Dimensional Research

Dimensional Research provides practical market research to help companies make smarter business decisions by delivering actionable information to reduce risks, increase customer satisfaction, and support growth. Whether launching a new product into the marketplace, or desiring fresh insights from buyers, our research services help companies gain a clear understanding of customer and market dynamics.

About Omni Ventures

Omni Ventures is the Manufacturing Tech VC. Even in an AI-driven world, the importance of the physical world remains—every algorithm still needs a machine to run on. That’s why we invest in Manufacturing Tech—the overlooked infrastructure that powers and advances how things are made. From bioreactors growing materials to satellites assembling structures in orbit, we back the technologies transforming industry. Led by former Apple product and manufacturing experts, we write first checks into startups modernizing and reshaping the manufacturing value chain.

About NextGenIndustry

NextGenIndustry Group’s vision is to build an ecosystem of leaders, operators, industry experts, and capital providers to share best practices, develop industrialization metrics, influence policy, and create valuable partnerships.