The infrastructure industry is increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the global construction market set to hit $10 trillion by 2025. However, productivity in the sector remains largely unchanged. The sector’s adoption of AI holds great potential to reshape operations, but also presents challenges that need careful consideration.
A new study titled The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Built Environment conducted by Bentley Systems and its partners, including Pinsent Masons, Mott MacDonald, and Turner & Townsend, sheds light on AI’s growing role in the infrastructure sector. The study indicates that AI is no longer just a theoretical concept; it is becoming a tangible tool for industry transformation.
Nearly all 130 professionals surveyed globally report that their organizations are either experimenting with or already applying AI technologies. However, the current use of AI is primarily focused on automating document management and enhancing design and engineering efficiency, rather than being applied directly to construction activities.
AI’s Rising Role in the Infrastructure Industry
The survey reveals that about one-third of organizations plan to integrate AI into more than half of their design, engineering, and construction processes in the next three years. This is indicative of the industry’s growing belief in AI’s potential to improve operations at all levels.
Kyle Rosenmeyer, a leading user of Bentley Systems software at VHB, exemplifies this trend. He developed a custom AI agent using Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, enabling engineers to quickly access and use deep Bentley software insights. This move toward AI as a collaborative tool is growing in the infrastructure sector, signaling a shift toward AI becoming an integral co-worker in the field.
Leaders in the industry view AI as a vital tool to help address the gap between soaring construction spending and a stagnant productivity rate that has plagued the sector for years. The hope is that AI can transform the way projects are managed, from cost estimation to project scheduling, resulting in enhanced overall efficiency.
The Roadblocks to Full AI Integration
While the survey highlights a general excitement about AI, it also outlines significant barriers to full-scale adoption. Two key obstacles that organizations face are data-related risks and the skills gap among workers.
Data security is a major concern, with 20% of firms reporting issues related to data sharing, including intellectual property protection, privacy risks, and cybersecurity threats. These challenges must be addressed to fully capitalize on AI’s capabilities.
Another barrier is the skills gap, with 15% of organizations acknowledging that their workforce lacks the necessary AI expertise. This shortage of talent is slowing down the widespread integration of AI into core infrastructure processes.
AI’s Potential to Boost Efficiency and Close the Productivity Gap
Despite these challenges, industry leaders are optimistic about the benefits of AI. The survey indicates that AI is expected to bring substantial improvements in key areas such as cost estimation, scheduling accuracy, and overall productivity in the construction process.
Firms are planning significant investments in AI-related technical capabilities, as well as in establishing standardized data and processes, to maximize these anticipated benefits. AI is not just seen as a tool for operational efficiency, but as a strategic asset that could redefine how the industry manages projects in the coming years.
In the next three years, the priority for firms will be to strengthen AI leadership within organizations and build a robust AI infrastructure to support this technological shift. This investment is seen as crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI in the sector.
Addressing the Skills Gap and Enhancing AI Education
As AI continues to shape the future of the infrastructure sector, addressing the skills gap becomes essential. Organizations will need to develop internal training programs to equip their workforce with the skills necessary to work with AI technologies effectively. Industry-wide education initiatives could play a critical role in preparing the next generation of professionals to manage AI tools and navigate the complexities of AI integration.
The skills shortage is also driving demand for external partnerships and collaborations. Many companies are looking to AI specialists and technology consultants to bridge this gap, ensuring they can adopt AI strategies quickly and effectively.
AI’s Role in Risk Management and Data Security
Data security and privacy risks are at the forefront of concerns for firms implementing AI. These risks are particularly pronounced when dealing with sensitive construction data, intellectual property, and client information. AI systems require secure data sharing practices to prevent cyber threats and protect company assets.
The infrastructure sector will need to adopt robust data governance frameworks to ensure that AI systems can be used safely and responsibly. This includes defining clear protocols for data sharing, establishing strong cybersecurity measures, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
Additionally, companies will need to work closely with AI developers to ensure that AI systems are secure, transparent, and auditable. This is especially crucial as AI systems are integrated into critical areas like construction design, procurement, and project management.
Looking Ahead: AI’s Future in Infrastructure
The infrastructure sector is on the brink of a major transformation, driven by the potential of AI to revolutionize how projects are conceived, managed, and executed. The future of construction will be defined by the use of AI technologies that enable faster decision-making, improve project outcomes, and reduce costs.
As AI continues to evolve, the sector must be prepared to overcome the challenges it faces, such as data risks and the skills shortage. By investing in AI education, improving data security, and fostering a culture of innovation, organizations can position themselves to benefit from AI’s full potential.
The next few years will be critical for the infrastructure sector as it integrates AI into its workflows. With the right strategy, AI will help the industry close its productivity gap and achieve a new era of efficiency and innovation.
