Use of digital technologies by construction and engineering professionals has accelerated over the past year as the sectors look to artificial intelligence to solve problems.

Research by Strata, a leading provider of construction time management and digital construction services, shows that 88 per cent of construction and engineer professionals have increased their usage of digital technologies over the past 12 months.

In addition, nearly 70 per cent of respondents said they are leveraging these tools to drive smarter decision-making and innovation across the sector. 

Siloed workflows, however, are the main barrier to digital adoption in the sector though.

Time constraints ranked second, driven by limited capacity for training and the pressure of industry-wide labour shortages.

In third place, skillset gaps point to an urgent need for targeted training and the strategic hiring of new digital capabilities to support transformation.

Eight in ten (81 per cent) of respondents report only basic or moderate knowledge of AI, and half of the companies surveyed have yet to implement formal AI training.

However, more than 71 per cent believe it will be critical in shaping the future of the sector.

When asked about the importance of sustainability in the sector, 85 per cent of construction and engineering professionals said it will become more important over the next one to three years.

This contrasted with just five per cent reporting significant progress in utilising digital tools such as carbon calculations and whole-life assessments.

“With the government’s National Planning Framework prioritising accelerated housing delivery, and the Climate Action Plan placing new demands on infrastructure and sustainability targets, meeting construction demand will require greater efficiency and new ways of working," said Enda Grimes, director and founder of Strata.

"In this context, digitalisation and AI are no longer optional efficiency tools — they are essential levers for delivering on national ambitions."

"Our research shows that while digital adoption is gaining momentum across the sector, a significant gap in skills and applied knowledge remains in our industry.

"Addressing this challenge requires collaboration with digital experts who not only bring strong digital capability but also understand the practical complexities of engineering and construction.

"As Ireland’s population continues to grow, the need to improve our infrastructure becomes more urgent. By combining deep engineering expertise with digital innovation, we can accelerate delivery and build the resilient infrastructure we need."

Over 250 construction and engineering professionals, representing over 170 individual companies in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, took part in the Strata survey in the second quarter of 2025.

Photo: Enda Grimes. (Pic: Supplied)