Contracting firms form global council to drive innovation and digitisation in engineering and construction

Leaders from AECOM, Bechtel, Fluor, John Holland and Lendlease together with Aconex have formed the Global Industry Council (GIC).

According to a news release from Aconex, the council members are made up of thought leaders with a passion for evolving digitisation in engineering and construction by sharing ideas and finding solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges.

“As a leading international property and infrastructure group, Lendlease has a vested interest in supporting the ongoing transformation of our industry,” said Kate Nelson, Head of Business Technology & Innovation, Design, Building at Lendlease.

“More than that, we have a responsibility to challenge and change the future of the industry, for the better. As a foundation member of the GIC, we look forward to collaborating with our global peers to deliver on this purpose.”

One of the GIC’s first tasks was to identify roadblocks to technology adoption and to facilitate more rapid digital investment, automation of business processes and integration of information and communication technology.

The GIC members, with Aconex, generated the report, Digital Technology: The Key to Unlocking Construction’s Potential.

“Many construction companies in this industry struggle to consolidate fragmented platforms, standardise processes or develop savvy digital talent,” said Leigh Jasper, CEO of Aconex.

“The aim of the report is to unlock the challenges to accelerated digitisation across the industry. It’s a practical guide for asset owners, EPCs and contractors to help innovate and improve performance, and address the transformation taking place across the asset life cycle.”

Ms. Nelson said the smarter use of digital solutions for design and construction has the potential to make a big impact, especially in terms of project design, procurement, manufacture and delivery.

“This report will help influence a more standard approach to digitisation, which along with continuing to think differently, will further unlock innovation in the industry.”

The report is due for release later this year.