The Construction Technology ConFex 2024, held in the UAE, brought together industry leaders to discuss the pivotal topic of digital adoption within the construction sector. The panel titled “State of Digital Adoption 2024” was led by Dr. Anas Bataw, a Technology Advisor for the UN, and featured prominent figures including Amr Saad, Head of Digital Engineering at ROSHN Group, Benoit Meulewaeter, Director of Engineering for the Middle East at BESIX, Eisa Al Ali, Vice President of the Project Management Office at Dubai Holding Real Estate, and Theofanis Fanourakis, a Digital Delivery and Innovation Expert from Saudi Arabia.
This distinguished group discussed the current state of digital maturity in the region, shedding light on what technologies have become integral to everyday business practices. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) have seen frequent application, the panelists explored the lag in the adoption of more advanced technologies such as drones, robotics, and IoT.
The discussion highlighted key areas:
- The ongoing journey of integrating BIM and PMIS effectively across the industry.
- The potential for these technologies to lay the groundwork for further advancements like AI and digital twins.
- The nuanced understanding of “adoption,” emphasizing the importance of not just accepting but fully integrating and efficiently utilizing digital tools.
- Success stories that demonstrate the role of leadership, collaboration, and regional investments in driving technology adoption.
- Strategies for overcoming resistance to new technologies and driving cultural change within organizations.
- The necessity for technology solutions to be tailored to regional needs, addressing local regulatory requirements and data sovereignty.
The panelists concluded by encouraging continued dialogue and collaboration to push the boundaries of digital adoption in construction. This insightful conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of construction technology and the digital transformation of the industry.
Watch the full video of the panel discussion to gain deeper insights into the state of digital adoption in the construction industry in 2024.
