The 2024 RICS report reveals that digital adoption in the construction sector has stalled following the initial surge during the pandemic. While technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins are increasingly recognised, their consistent use across projects remains limited. The report highlights that only a minority of firms apply digital tools to all aspects of their work, with cost estimation and health and safety monitoring being the most common applications.

Despite growing awareness of the benefits, adoption in critical areas such as carbon footprint calculation, whole-life asset management, and ESG integration remains low. The survey reveals a persistent digital divide, with a substantial proportion of professionals still not utilising digital tools. This gap is particularly evident in newer domains, such as social value and sustainability, where understanding and confidence in digital solutions are lacking.

Barriers to adoption remain entrenched. Cost, effort, and lack of client demand are cited as the main obstacles, alongside a shortage of skilled personnel and inconsistent practices across supply chains. However, the report notes a rising interest in artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, which may catalyse future innovation and uptake. Data sharing also shows uneven progress, with established functions seeing more exchange than sustainability-related ones.

RICS concludes with a call for a holistic, data-driven approach to digitalisation. It recommends stronger information management, life cycle thinking, and investment in skills and ethical AI adoption. The report underscores the urgency of bridging the digital gap to meet growing demands for sustainable, efficient, and socially valuable construction practices.