DataScope’s Digital Construction Leaders Lunch brought together senior figures from across the construction and tech sectors to explore how digital transformation is reshaping project delivery.
We welcomed representatives from Mace, Tilbury Douglas, John Sisk & Son Ltd, Mercury, The Shore Group, Sir Robert McAlpine, Structure Tone, Laing O’Rourke, McLaren Construction Group, Wates Group, Bovis, Multiplex and Select Plant Hire, who shared practical experiences, challenges, and lessons from implementing digital strategies on live projects. Here are some key takeaways from the round table discussions.
Digital Transformation Starts with the Basics
The session opened with reflections on the evolving digital landscape, highlighting a shift in the industry from project-led approaches toward more standardised, organisation-wide processes. While AI, robotics, and the metaverse are emerging on the horizon, the immediate priorities remain leveraging existing tools more effectively, maintaining consistent delivery methods, and ensuring the right people are assigned to the right projects.
Across the sector, productivity, health & safety, and project certainty continue to drive digital strategies, rather than simply adopting new technology.
ROI and Value Cases Matter
Maximising return on investment remains a priority, with digital adoption often guided by frameworks, KPIs, and accreditation standards. The session highlighted that ROI is tangible and can be measured through:
- Cost efficiency: reduced rework, fewer claims, and minimised delays
- Health & safety improvements: protecting teams while building client trust
- Reputation: sustaining eligibility for major projects
People and Culture Drive Adoption
A common theme across the industry was that while technology enables change, it’s people, culture, and communication that allow it to thrive. Speakers noted that traditional mindsets and manual processes can persist, but “nuggets of success” can help build momentum. One attendee shared how a digital system that initially faced resistance eventually became indispensable across multiple projects once its benefits became clear.
Clear messaging, hands-on training, and dedicated champions were repeatedly emphasised as key factors for success, drawing attention to the value of strong communication, on-site support, and expert guidance.
Data, AI, and Emerging Tech
The use of AI offers near-term opportunities to filter information, simplify decision-making, and prevent overload, while robotics and the metaverse remain longer-term prospects. Real-time data capture at the operative level is already creating full project visibility, helping teams make faster, better-informed decisions.
System Integrations Are a Must
System connectivity remains a key focus. Leaders called for simpler platform integration to reduce duplication, create consistency across projects, and free up teams to focus on delivery rather than managing disconnected tools.
Safety, Reputation, and Client Expectations
Health & safety emerged as a powerful driver for digital adoption. Firms with robust digital safety systems not only protect teams but also enhance reputation and secure access to major client projects. As discussions concluded, it was clear that digital compliance and safety tools are now essential, not optional.
The Leaders Lunch highlighted that the sector is moving from testing ideas to scaling proven approaches. Success hinges on:
- Putting people and culture first
- Measuring and communicating ROI
- Leveraging safety and compliance as differentiators
By focusing on these priorities, construction companies can accelerate digital adoption, unlock productivity gains, and deliver measurable value to clients.