In today’s rapidly evolving construction landscape, innovation is no longer a luxury — it’s the foundation of excellence. As projects become more complex and client expectations rise, one factor consistently defines the industry’s most forward-thinking organisations: digital competency.
A new report by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) highlights just how critical this capability has become. According to the findings, the built environment is undergoing a profound digital transformation — from how we plan and design, to how we deliver and operate projects. Yet, success depends on more than having the latest tools or technology; it requires people with the right skills and mindsets to drive progress.
Building a Digitally Competent Workforce
The CLC report identifies four key steps to building digital competency across the sector:
-
Create a vision that integrates people, processes, and technology.
-
Evaluate current digital maturity, identifying strengths and areas for development.
-
Partner with training providers to close skill gaps through targeted education.
-
Align digital capability with strategic objectives, ensuring that innovation supports productivity, safety, and sustainability.
This framework reinforces an important truth: digital capability is no longer a specialist function. It’s a core skillset underpinning the design and delivery of the buildings and infrastructure that define our future.
Recognising Innovation and Excellence
At Building the Future Awards, we believe that recognising digital excellence is just as vital as celebrating craftsmanship, design, and sustainability. The industry’s best projects are not only structurally sound — they are strategically smart. They leverage data, digital tools, and collaborative technologies to achieve outcomes that were once unimaginable.
Our vision has always been to spotlight companies, teams, and leaders who are pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in the built environment. The shift toward digital competency reflects exactly that spirit — a move toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable construction.
The Future Is Digital — and It’s Here
As the CLC’s report makes clear, digital transformation is reshaping every level of construction. Organisations that invest in developing digital skills today are building more than just projects — they’re building the future of our industry.
At Building the Future Awards, we’re proud to celebrate that future — one innovation, one leader, and one groundbreaking project at a time.
