Data shared by the world’s leading legal AI software shows the manufacturing contract trends of 2024

Genie AI, the world's leading AI legal editor, has analysed the manufacturing contracting trends of the past year, revealing how business transactions are evolving across the sector. From the logistics overhaul to the rise of green manufacturing, a deep dive into contractual trends highlights the key drivers of change across the industry in 2024.

The top manufacturing trends of 2024, according to contractual data:
Logistics overhaul: The logistics industry is undergoing a massive transformation as companies seek more efficient and flexible ways to manage global supply chains. Genie AI's analysis shows a staggering 450% increase in searches for multimodal transport contracts, signaling a major shift towards integrated logistics solutions. This surge reflects the growing need for businesses to streamline operations and overcome supply chain disruptions, with an emphasis on smoother cross-border trade.

Green manufacturing continues to gain ground: The drive toward sustainable manufacturing is intensifying as companies increasingly adopt environmentally conscious practices. Genie AI's data reveals a significant surge in environmental impact assessments (+50%) and renewable energy agreements (+100%). This uptick underscores a growing commitment to green manufacturing as companies respond to regulatory pressures and market demands for cleaner, more sustainable operations.

Economic uncertainty sees an increase in flexible work contracts: As businesses navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, the demand for flexible work arrangements has surged. Genie AI's analysis reveals that seasonal employment agreements have grown by 143%, while zero-hour contracts saw a 50% rise, highlighting the need for businesses to maintain agile workforces. Flexible contracts overall have experienced a 52% increase, as organisations mitigate fluctuating market demands.

Genie AI is uniquely positioned to identify and analyse major contracting trends. Genie has become a go-to resource for professionals worldwide to draft, review or negotiate legal documentation. To date, more than 100,000 companies, including 11 FTSE100 firms, 20 Global200 law firms, top-tier U.S. banks, and two of the 'big four' UK supermarket chains, have used Genie to draft or review legal documents. With contracts spanning 120+ jurisdictions—from the UK and California to India and Germany—Genie AI's data offers unparalleled insight into the global contracting landscape.

"Contracts are the lifeblood of the economy" commented Alex Denne, Head of Growth at Genie AI. "The manufacturing industry has been on a transformative journey since 2023, with sustainability and flexible work arrangements emerging as key focus areas. In 2024, we're seeing these trends gain significant traction.

"These contract searches show that the industry is recognising the importance of agility in the workforce—a crucial focus in a challenging hiring market, where nearly 50% of manufacturing employees now cite flexibility as a reason to stay with their employer."

"Notably, Genie AI has seen a remarkable 71% year-on-year increase in manufacturing firms using our platform to draft, edit, and review their legal documents. This is the highest growth rate across all our usage sectors, second only to legal services. This surge in adoption underscores the significant changes underway in the industry. Manufacturers are not only rethinking their operational strategies but also transforming their legal processes to keep pace with the evolving landscape.

"While the journey is far from over, the manufacturing industry is clearly on the path to a more sustainable, adaptable future."