Kelvin Ibrahim, M and Aliu, J O (2026) Bridging the digital divide: Strategies for successful technology implementation in the UK construction sector. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(6), pp. 1017-1032. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Digital transformation is revolutionizing industries worldwide by streamlining operations, automating repetitive processes and reducing costs. The construction industry is no exception, as there is increasing interest in adopting innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability and project management. This paper investigates the benefits of digital technologies in the UK construction sector, identifies key barriers to their adoption and proposes strategies for effective integration, with a particular focus on East London. A qualitative methodology was employed, combining an extensive literature review with structured interviews. The study involved 10 senior professionals—architects, engineers, project managers and quantity surveyors—with 10 to 25 years of industry experience. Contextual analysis of the interview data revealed persistent challenges hindering digital adoption. These include workforce skill gaps, resistance to change and entrenched reliance on traditional construction practices. Despite these challenges, the study highlights several enablers of digital transformation, such as targeted upskilling initiatives, sector-wide digital literacy programs and supportive government policies. The findings suggest that, without intentional efforts from key stakeholders, especially in policy, training and organizational culture reform, the UK construction industry risks falling behind in global innovation and sustainability efforts. The study concludes that a proactive and collaborative approach is critical to fostering digital integration and securing long-term industry resilience.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | artificial intelligence; construction industry; construction innovation; digital adoption; project management; sustainability; workforce training |
| Index terms: | construction sector, digital technology, construction innovation, organizational culture, methodology, integration, program, digital divide, literature review, strategy, interview, construction industry, implementation, artificial intelligence, project management, government policy, London, architect, streamlining, engineer, transformation, efficiency, quantity surveying, project manager, traditional construction |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, digital technology, public policy, Geography, research methods, heritage and conservation, building construction, computing systems, profession, data collection methods, business, data analysis and analytics, artificial intelligence, project management theory and practice, management, performance management, software systems, industry analysis, organizational analysis, sociology |
| Topics: | Governance, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Project Management, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here