AI and organisational agility critical to future delivery of construction projects

• 77% construction leaders say AI key to future delivery, but only 25% use it
• 48% of non-adopters delay AI due to uncertainty, though 31% say it helps manage it.
• AI adopters are pulling ahead, with stronger confidence in project delivery

Over three quarters (77%) of global decision makers agree that AI will become increasingly important in construction and infrastructure over the next five years. Over half claim it outperforms other tools in reducing construction project uncertainty, but organisational adaptability and agility are what matter the most.

That’s according to research among more than 1,000 senior decision makers in global organisations, commissioned by Currie & Brown, a world-leading provider of cost management, project management and advisory services.

The report, titled Building certainty in an era of relentless change, also highlights a widening gap between adopters and non-adopters of AI that 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.

Almost half (48%) of non-adopters say uncertainty has slowed their adoption of AI, while only 31% believe it can help them manage uncertainty. On the flip side, 49% of regular users say uncertainty has accelerated their adoption of AI, and 65% believe AI helps mitigate uncertainty.

The research shows 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 points to the fact 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, Currie & Brown, comments: “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. 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.”

To find out more, read our report on Building certainty in an era of relentless change.