More than three-quarters of global construction decision-makers believe AI will become increasingly important in construction and infrastructure delivery over the next five years, but 1 in 5 do not currently use it at all, according to a new survey
The poll of more than 1,000 construction leaders, commissioned by Currie & Brown, highlights a widening gap between adopters and non-adopters of AI that the company warned is putting some organisations at a disadvantage.
Only a quarter (25%) of organisations are regularly using AI to identify, monitor or mitigate risk in their construction projects – and 20% aren’t using it all.
Uncertainty holds back – and drives – AI adoption
Almost half (48%) of non-adopters say uncertainty has held back their use of AI, while only 31% believe it can help them manage uncertainty.
However, 49% of regular users say that uncertainty actually accelerated their adoption of AI, and 65% believe it helps to mitigate uncertainty.
The research indicates that the key barriers to adoption relate mostly to an organisation’s culture and mindset. Among non-adopters, 40% cite lack of expertise, while 39% quote resistance to change as the reasons for not embracing AI.
Evidence from the report suggests that organisations with a more flexible approach and willingness to embrace innovations, such as AI, are better placed to respond to change and build resilience across the value chain. For example, over three-quarters of AI adopters report being very confident in their ability to achieve their project goals.
Sean Cole, senior director and global high-tech lead at Currie & Brown, said: “There’s a clear paradox. The organisations that most need technology to reduce uncertainty are the least likely to adopt it. That’s a risk in itself.
“A wake-up call for the industry”
“AI has real potential to reduce risk, improve performance and strengthen delivery. But it’s not the starting point. Agile organisations are already ahead. They are quicker to spot risk and better equipped to manage it using tools like AI. That should be a wake-up call for the industry.
“Delivering certainty starts with mindset. It means thinking differently, acting faster and adapting continuously. Certainty and resilience aren’t just by-products of technology. They’re the result of deliberate, focused leadership.”
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