TLDR: Tech Mahindra has released a global research report, ‘The New Era of Adaptive Manufacturing,’ revealing that adaptability, powered by AI, and sustainability are critical for manufacturers navigating a complex and disruptive industrial landscape. The report, based on a survey of 690 manufacturing leaders, underscores the widespread adoption of AI and sustainable practices as foundational for resilience and competitiveness.
LONDON, September 1, 2025 – Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions, today announced the launch of its comprehensive global research report titled ‘The New Era of Adaptive Manufacturing.’ This landmark report offers deep insights into how manufacturing enterprises are strategically re-evaluating and transforming their operations to maintain competitiveness amidst an era characterized by significant disruption, increasing complexity, and relentless change.
The report is built upon a robust survey of 690 senior manufacturing leaders. These leaders represent organizations with over 1,000 employees across key global regions, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The findings illuminate a clear prioritization among enterprises for adaptability, sustainability, and intelligence throughout their entire value chain. Furthermore, the study delves into crucial aspects such as the current state of digital manufacturing, the accelerating adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the evolution of workforce skills, and the imperative for robust supply chain resilience, thereby identifying pivotal trends shaping the future of the industry.
Manikantan NS, Global Head, Manufacturing Service Line at Tech Mahindra, emphasized the report’s core message: “Manufacturers are navigating a complex environment of rising costs, fragile supply chains, and skills shortages. This research report clearly shows that adaptability, powered by AI, is the foundation of resilience and competitiveness. At Tech Mahindra, we are enabling global enterprises to embrace adaptive manufacturing with ROI-led strategies that integrate technology, talent, and sustainability, helping them build intelligent and future-ready ecosystems.”
Key findings from ‘The New Era of Adaptive Manufacturing’ report include:
Adaptive Manufacturing as a Global Imperative: A striking 99% of manufacturers confirmed their active efforts to adapt to dynamic market conditions, evolving customer expectations, and demand volatility. This near-universal acknowledgment highlights that agility and resilience are no longer optional but fundamental for survival and sustained growth in the modern industrial landscape.
AI as the Intelligence Layer of Industry 4.0: The report identifies AI as the ‘central nervous system’ of Industry 4.0, with a significant 72% of firms already deploying AI technologies. AI’s role is crucial in enabling real-time decision-making, enhancing automation, and seamlessly integrating human capital with advanced machinery and systems.
Sustainability as a Core Business Mandate: The research indicates a major shift towards sustainable practices, with 98% of firms actively implementing sustainable manufacturing initiatives. This widespread adoption is driven by a desire for improved operational efficiency (59%), enhanced corporate reputation (51%), and a direct response to customer expectations. Sustainability is now firmly established as a core business imperative, intrinsically linked to both efficiency and profitability.
Drivers and Challenges: Manufacturers are pursuing adaptive strategies primarily to reduce costs and waste (60%), gain a competitive advantage (54%), and meet customer demands (51%). However, implementation faces hurdles, with 41% citing budget constraints, 37% grappling with integration complexity, and 34% facing a lack of necessary skills.
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The report reinforces Tech Mahindra’s vision of adaptive manufacturing as the definitive blueprint for the industry’s next era, where intelligence, agility, and sustainability are the defining characteristics of value creation. Tech Mahindra reiterates its commitment to partnering with enterprises to overcome challenges, embed sustainability into their core operations, and responsibly harness AI to drive measurable impact. By combining advanced technologies with human-centric innovation, the company aims to empower global manufacturers to scale confidently, transform with purpose, and thrive in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.
