The research shows that the industry has much to gain from the adoption of digital technology to boost productivity, achieve cost efficiencies and create new career opportunities.

Over 80% of those surveyed agree that digitalisation will be important to their businesses over the next five years. But many companies are still in the early stages of developing their approaches, it is emphasised.

“While organisations are clearly aware of digitalisation, there seems to be a reticence to fully engage. Maybe this is down to a perception of cost,” said Causeway executive vice president James Atkinson. “Our role is to highlight and quantify the benefits that these technologies can deliver and ensure that savings are realised.”

Digital modelling and simulation, data analysis and mobile working are currently among the most common uses of digital technology in the highways sector, the survey shows.

The research also involved drawing lessons from a roundtable of industry leaders. CIHT’s Technology & Innovation Panel chair Stelios Rodoulis said it can be difficult for businesses to know when and how to invest in digital technology.

He added: “It is a hard sell to convince politicians of the technological concept.”
CIHT’s President Martin Tugwell emphasised: “The added value comes not in digital infrastructure and digitalisation itself, but through their application to transform services.”

The vast majority of those surveyed believe that digitalisation will change the skills required in the sector. But less than a third feel that the industry is prepared for this shift.

CIHT chief executive Sue Percy said that successful digital transformation will require new talent and sustained investment in upskilling the existing workforce.

“Training, qualifications, and the industry overall will need a broader set of skills to deliver our future infrastructure.
“The industry can and should do better at highlighting the many exciting career opportunities that exist within it,” she said, adding that efforts to improve wellbeing, diversity and inclusion are also needed.