Additive manufacturing (AM) is transitioning from hype to industrial reality, growing 20% annually while proving its value in supply resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. This World Economic Forum report highlights persistent challenges—high costs, lack of standards, fragmented digital processes, and talent gaps—but also outlines major opportunities in digital process chains, novel AM materials, and flexible supply networks. Case studies from Johnson & Johnson, Deutsche Bahn, and Trinckle show how AM creates scalable, high-value solutions. To accelerate adoption, firms should iterate implementations, build around real business cases, collaborate across ecosystems, and align strategy with leadership support.

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