CONSTRUCTION CLUB 3: Changing attitudes is key to construction moving forward

There have also been growing delays in contract payments, which has squeezed contractor finances, and increasing disputes over contract variations.

At the same time, digital technology is disrupting almost every aspect of the world in which we live and work.

While many other sectors have already undergone radical digital transformation, the construction industry has lagged behind. But now, the time has come for construction to change.

New players with new technologies are emerging in all areas of project delivery, and construction companies can no longer keep their heads buried in the sand over the need to change.

In order to make the most of the digital opportunities, the industry first must get the basics right of delivering construction projects.

Clients, consultants and contractors often fail to work together to deliver common objectives.

The dislocation of parties on a project, particularly in the early stages, results in designs that cannot be delivered and a high volume of variations and increased costs.

The construction industry needs to improve its willingness to adopt and adapt innovative technologies that have a proven track record in other applications.

If GCC construction can change its attitude and become more open to doing things differently, it can make huge gains from digital technologies that are transforming the world economy today.