Slow uptake of tech is hindering global construction – report

Outdated practices and disconnected technologies that hinder collaboration have been identified as impeding the industry, which is worth $13tn globally and has seen a boom in investment into infrastructure, data centres, and public projects. 

The inaugural global Bridging the Gap: 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report reveals that 92 per cent of global AECO (architecture, engineering, construction and operations) professionals see significant budget changes during construction, despite contingency funds being built in. The most common increase is 11-20 per cent above the original estimate, a reality faced by 42 per cent in the US and 51 per cent 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.

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The report found 41 per cent of global industry leaders identify infrastructure as the top growth area in design and construction, yet 56 per cent say change orders, client changes and scope creep are the primary causes of costly project rework. This is followed by unexpected site challenges (53 per cent) and design errors (45 per cent).