Build Digital has published the findings of its Annual Survey 2023 into the level of digital transformation within the Irish construction and built environment sector.
The Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 highlights the current level of digital adoption and captures valuable opinions on driving future digital advancements.
Dr Clare Eriksson, Project Director, Build Digital, underscores the importance of the survey, commenting: “The survey is crucial for identifying and prioritising areas within the industry that require the most support from Build Digital.”
The Build Digital Annual Survey evaluates the current state of digital adoption to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities. It has recognised key obstacles to digital transformation and will assist the industry in overcoming them. Gathering insights into construction firms’ specific needs and priorities regarding digital transformation is essential for effectively creating supports to assist them. Establishing a baseline for digital adoption and monitoring progress over time is crucial for adjusting Build Digital’s strategies and measuring impact.
By conducting the survey, Build Digital has gathered data that will guide its efforts to support and accelerate the digital transformation of the Irish construction industry, enhancing its efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Key Findings From The Build Digital Transition Survey 2023
– More than half of respondents are involved in their organisation’s digital transformation.
– More than half of respondents plan to initiate or restart their digital journey soon.
– Formal education in digital tools and methods remains common in the sector, with less than half of the survey participants reporting such training
– One-third of industry participants reported awareness of BIM requirements within the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF).
– Most private sector employees indicated that their organisations have implemented strategies to enhance project sustainability.
– Training and Competence: Training in digital tools is a critical focus, with over 75% seeking upskilling in areas like BIM, information management, and digital project delivery. Key areas include AI, OpenBIM, and Digital Twins.
– Procurement and Contracts: Digital procurement methods are increasingly adopted to streamline processes and enhance project outcomes.
– Contractual agreements: The survey highlights common industry contracts and examines knowledge of BIM requirements within the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF).
– Sustainability: Digital tools are key for sustainability, optimising resource use, reducing waste, and improving project sustainability. The survey shows a growing integration of sustainable practices in digital transformation.
– Sector-specific challenges: Each sector has unique challenges in digital adoption, requiring tailored approaches for effective digital transformation industry-wide.
The survey results are part of Build Digital’s ongoing efforts to support organisations in enhancing their digital capabilities and transforming the industry.
The Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 underscores significant progress in digital transformation within the Irish construction and built environment sector. Despite notable advancements, challenges such as cost, expertise and clear benefit realisation remain. The insights from this survey are crucial for informing future strategies and initiatives to enhance digital adoption, improve efficiencies and foster a culture of innovation and sustainability.
MOVING FORWARD
From the findings of the survey, Build Digital has identified the following actions to be taken.
– Enhancing digital skills: Invest in comprehensive training programmes to improve digital competencies among employees across all sectors.
– Promoting compliance: Encourage adherence to national and international digital standards to ensure consistent and interoperable practices.
– Encouraging collaboration: Foster greater collaboration using common data environments and standardised digital workflows.
– Addressing barriers: Provide targeted support and resources to overcome barriers to digital adoption, including cost concerns and lack of expertise.
– Supporting sustainability: Integrate digital tools to enhance sustainability efforts, optimising resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Addressing these areas will go some way to facilitating Ireland’s construction and built environment sector to continue evolving, achieving greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
The Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 is a valuable benchmark for measuring progress and identifying opportunities for further improvement in the digital transformation journey.
To learn more, visit www.builddigitalproject.ie