While investment in infrastructure, data centers, and public projects are booming, the construction industry is being increasingly threatened by mounting inefficiencies, spiraling budgets, and costly rework-challenges driven by outdated practices and disconnected technologies that hinder collaboration
As global infrastructure construction demand surges to record highs, new research from integrated AECO collaboration platform Revizto, exposes a critical crossroads for the $13tn global industry.
The inaugural global Bridging the Gap: 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report reveals a staggering 92% of global AECO professionals see significant budget changes during construction, despite contingency funds being built in. The most common increase is 11-20% above the original estimate, a reality faced by 42% in the US and 51% in the UK.
With Governments across the UK and US investing billions into infrastructure, projects continue to grow in scope, scale and complexity, exposing design and construction companies to greater risk. The report found 41% of global industry leaders identify infrastructure as the top growth area in design and construction, yet 56% say change orders, client changes and scope creep are the primary causes of costly project rework. Closely followed by unexpected site challenges (53%) and design errors (45%).
Technology integration and adoption still emerged as the top business challenge among leaders
Despite notable innovation and success among early adopters, technology uptake in construction remains limited, falling short of the industry’s broader ambitions. While 63% of AECO professionals are closely following technological developments in AI and automation, technology integration and adoption was the most frequently-cited business challenge, with 27% of teams still relying on outdated tools like email, Excel, and PDFs for project delivery.
With global construction spend projected to hit $22tn by 2040, the opportunity is vast, but despite growing awareness of the problem, the sector is struggling to close the gap between technological ambition and operational reality. The report highlights a clear appetite for innovation, with the majority of industry leaders seeking solutions to bridge the gap.
When it comes to infrastructure investment, “the opportunity is immense, but so is the risk”
Arman Gukasyan, founder and CEO of Revizto, said: “The construction sector is at a pivotal moment. With governments investing billions in infrastructure and the global market projected to reach $22tn by 2040, the opportunity is immense, but so is the risk. Our research shows that outdated practices and fragmented project delivery are costing the industry and public billions, underscoring the urgent need for smarter, more collaborative ways of working to help reduce waste and reworks on essential and complex projects.”
Roman Baran, senior manager, Digital Construction at Canary Wharf Group said: “This report highlights what many of us have long understood: improving collaboration is the clearest path to boosting productivity in construction. With the right tools, like Revizto, we can bridge the gaps between design and delivery to reduce rework, minimize budget overruns, and improve outcomes.”
The post Infrastructure boom at risk: new data warns of budget creep, inefficiencies and costly rework in the construction sector appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
