News

Time, not cost, is the main barrier to new technology adoption

Justin Stanton

Editor, DC+

20 May 2025

The lack of time is a greater barrier to the adoption of new technology than cost, according to a new survey conducted by Revizto.

A digital countdown at zero — Image: 12056757 © Mreco99 | Dreamstime.com

Revizto surveyed more than 2,000 professionals worldwide in the architecture, engineering and construction industries for its inaugural global Bridging the Gap: 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report. The vast majority of respondents are in leadership roles.

When asked to identify the biggest barrier to adopting new technology, the most popular answer (by a very small margin) was “time”: nearly a third (30%) cited it. A lack of policy or mandate (internally or externally) was cited by a quarter, followed closely by people (22%) and cost (21%).

Further analysis of the results reveals that time was the biggest barrier for 31% of the respondents at companies with a turnover of $50m-$100m. However, 32% of respondents at the largest companies with a turnover of $1bn or more identified the lack of policy or mandate as the biggest barrier.

Revizto also asked respondents to reveal the main reasons for rework on projects:

56% – changed orders, client changes and scope creep;

53% – site conditions and unexpected challenges;

46% – design errors and incomplete plans;

37% – poor communication and coordination; and

33% – construction errors.

If we accept that technology can significantly reduce these issues, the lack of time to adopt it is a issue.

Revizto founder and CEO Arman Gukasyan said: “The construction sector is at a pivotal moment. With governments investing billions in infrastructure and the global market projected to reach $22,000bn by 2040, the opportunity is immense – but so is the risk. Our research shows that outdated practices and fragmented project delivery are costing the industry and public billions, underscoring the urgent need for smarter, more collaborative ways of working to help reduce waste and reworks on essential and complex projects.”

Roman Baran, senior manager for digital construction at Canary Wharf Group, is a leading Revizto customer. He added: “This report highlights what many of us have long understood: improving collaboration is the clearest path to boosting productivity in construction. With the right tools, like Revizto, we can bridge the gaps between design and delivery to reduce rework, minimise budget overruns, and improve outcomes.”

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