From cement to cloud: the future of construction is digital

Discussions around the adoption of digital technologies in the construction sector are usually centered on generic benefits, such as efficiency, without an in-depth analysis of the motivations, barriers, and support needs of companies in the sector. This study instead sought to address precise questions:

• What are the main motivations driving construction companies to adopt digital solutions?
• What are the main barriers and resistances hindering the adoption of these technologies?
• What are companies’ expectations toward technology partners, and how can these partners support them in the digital transformation process?

Internationally, the market for construction technologies (AEC – Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) has seen a sharp increase in investment. In 2023 alone, 60% of venture capital investments in the construction sector went into digital collaboration and site management solutions. This global trend shows how digitalization is becoming a strategic factor for business growth and sustainability. In Italy, digitalization could not only boost productivity but also accelerate progress toward sustainability, given that the construction sector is one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions.

The sample analyzed included about 140 Hilti client companies, and the research methodology was highly interactive. It focused on structured breakout sessions designed to foster open dialogue and idea generation through roundtables, where participants listened to the concrete experiences of companies that had already implemented digital solutions for site management and asset management, brainstorming, and group work.

The findings revealed that the main motivations for adopting digital technologies in the construction sector are resource optimization and visible productivity gains, particularly stemming from:

• Error reduction, thanks to real-time information sharing and standardization. The centralization and traceability of data in a single system provide a comprehensive, historical view of activities. Automation and timely communication, with the possibility of operating across different devices, reduce oversights and enable seamless communication along the entire value chain.
• Ease of use (“it’s easier to use it than not to”) encourages bottom-up cultural change and rapid, widespread adoption.
• The ability to monitor remotely, with continuous access from anywhere, enables proactive problem management and greater operational resilience. Operational continuity is ensured by the digital history, which guarantees transparency and smooth transitions between teams. Finally, digital solutions improve workplace safety and enhance corporate image and perceived reliability among clients.

However, the study also highlighted several barriers hindering adoption. The construction sector, often perceived as “old-fashioned,” with low digital readiness, shows cultural resistance to change and fears that new tools may be rejected, underscoring the need for targeted training.

Digital implementation is often seen as a long and costly process, with uncertain return on investment. The belief that standard solutions cannot adapt to internal procedures or specific authorization levels can lead to preventive rejection.

Finally, in contexts involving multiple stakeholders (e.g., public construction), the complexity of the value chain means that adopting new solutions can trigger a domino effect, significantly slowing down implementation.

The study offers valuable insights for technology partners, managers, and policymakers. For companies, the key lesson concerns the importance of a well-planned digital adoption strategy that goes beyond the implementation of individual tools and focuses on building partnerships with those who can support the creation of an integrated digital ecosystem. Expectations toward technology partners are clear: they must provide concrete and ongoing support, including constant technical and operational assistance, training, and updates. Flexible solutions are also essential, capable of adapting to the specificities of work and business systems. Solutions must interface seamlessly with existing systems, ensuring real integration and interoperability to avoid duplication and bottlenecks, and helping replace manual processes.

In perspective, digitalization represents a major opportunity for construction companies to strengthen competitiveness and achieve sustainability goals. The adoption of modern technologies across different areas can cut costs, optimize project delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction by improving both the quality of projects and the services offered. However, for these benefits to materialize, the sector must overcome internal resistance and invest adequately in human resources and the necessary technologies. The future of the construction sector, therefore, is inseparably tied to its ability to embrace digital as a driver of transformation and innovation.