News

Call for built environment AI strategy

Katie Coyne

Freelance journalist

1 December 2025

Autodesk and the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) have called for the government to create a national AI in engineering and built environment strategy.

Abstract image for BIM In Asset Management interview — AI has helped increase productivity by up to 40% and reduced project overruns by up to 25%. Image © Suthanee Thapchai | Dreamstime.com

They argue that the UK government policy framework supporting AI in infrastructure has not kept pace with AI adoption.

Unless a strategy is developed with industry, they warn, the UK could lose its competitive lead in infrastructure and engineering delivery.

Alongside these calls, the pair have published research on AI adoption: AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation.

It found AI had helped increase UK productivity by up to 40% and reduced project overruns by up to 25%. Also, 68% of businesses were increasing investment in new technology, which is higher than the global average.

Kate Jennings, ACE chief executive officer, writes in the foreword: “From tackling climate change to creating resilient communities, our work underpins national prosperity and global progress. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now reshaping that mission.

“It is redefining how engineers think, design and deliver, turning once-manual processes into intelligent, collaborative systems.

“With the right frameworks, leadership, and skills, AI can make the UK the world leader in safe, ethical, efficient, and innovative engineering.”

AI is not replacing jobs

The report found that AI was not replacing jobs, but that roles were shifting towards AI literacy, data interpretation and professional oversight.

Junior roles were able to accelerate completion of routine tasks, while more senior roles could focus on creativity and leadership.

Autodesk and ACE argue that, in addition to a national strategy, the government needs to set open data and interoperability standards, reform procurement, fund upskilling and remove apprenticeship age limits, as well as ensure AI skills are included in career pathways.

In terms of industry recommendations, they are urging the sector to: appoint AI leaders, test safety using standardised checklists, provide AI training, and adopt ethics-led governance.

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Topics:

ACE AI Autodesk

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