Blueprints Go Digital: How Industrial Engineering, Design And Construction Software Will Hit $15 Billion By 2030

The industrial engineering, design and construction (IEDC) space is leaving paper blueprints behind. The global IEDC software market is on a steady growth path, with spending projected to rise from $10 billion in 2024 to $15 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7%. This expansion reflects the increasing digital transformation of asset-heavy industries, with firms seeking to improve efficiency, reduce rework and streamline collaboration across complex projects.

Manufacturing remains the largest and fastest-growing sector for IEDC software. By 2030, it will account for 27% of total spend, reflecting the rising need for precision design tools to support next-generation industrial facilities, from advanced battery plants to clean energy projects. Utilities and mining also represent major opportunities, as firms in these industries continue to invest heavily in digital construction tools.

North America and Europe dominate the market in 2025, together representing over two-thirds of global spend. North America alone will account for 35% of IEDC software spend by 2030, supported by its concentration of corporate headquarters and large-scale capital projects. However, APAC is closing the gap, with China and other emerging economies accelerating investment in construction-led growth, particularly in renewable energy and transportation infrastructure.

Several forces are shaping the expansion of the IEDC software market. Emerging high-tech facilities such as small modular reactors and gigafactories require advanced design and simulation capabilities. Regulations such as the UK Building Safety Act mandate digital ‘golden threads’ of building information, pushing firms towards integrated platforms. Moreover, clients and regulators alike are demanding greater transparency and collaboration, leading to strong adoption of cloud-based, data-integrated tools. Finally, falling costs of software and the shift towards subscription models are making adoption easier for mid-market firms.

Despite these drivers, challenges persist. Economic uncertainty is slowing capital expenditure in asset-heavy industries, while smaller firms continue to lag in investment. The market remains fragmented, with computer-aided design (CAD) tools widely used, but more advanced software underpenetrated. Closing the gap in the mid-market segment will require vendors to simplify integration, reduce costs and demonstrate clear ROI.

By 2030, both the design and construction segments will expand, but construction software will outpace engineering and design software. This reflects growing demand for digital solutions to support large-scale renewable energy, mining and industrial projects. In 2030, IEDC software will be a $15 billion market, driven by the combined pressures of regulation, new technology and the need for seamless project delivery.

In short, IEDC software is becoming indispensable to asset-intensive industries. Firms that embrace digital-first tools will be better positioned to manage rising complexity, meet regulatory demands, and deliver capital projects on time and on budget.

For more granular insights, read the recently published report Market Size And Forecast: Industrial Engineering, Design And Construction Software (2024-2030).