Global infrastructure is increasingly going digital, but progress needs to be faster and more comprehensive to fully benefit projects and improve performance
Turner & Townsend recently surveyed over 100 global infrastructure professionals to assess their use of digitalisation and cyber maturity. This survey is part of Turner & Townsend’s year-long ‘Transforming Performance of Major Programs’ project, focusing on the theme ‘Digital First.’
The survey also examined the role of digital in their programmes and strategies.
While digital was a key area of focus, the researchers found weaknesses in the respondent’s understanding of how to implement cybersecurity measures.
62% of participants had a digital strategy in place, showing its central role in the global infrastructure sector. Of this group, 75% of these strategies held long-term value.
Is there a digital skills gap?
Those lacking a digital strategy or feeling it has not been properly integrated cite skills gaps as a key challenge (83%). Nearly a third of participants believe data is underused, with only 42% of respondents using it for performance management.
Only 10% said they treated data as a tangible asset on their balance sheets, missing an opportunity to use its commercial value to attract new investors.
Safety was cited as a key concern for global infrastructure
Cybersecurity was cited as a significant concern for many, with 80% of participants feeling their safety measures were not good enough. Fewer than 30% have cyber and disaster management plans in place.
“The current expectations being placed on infrastructure to transform our world are considerable – from powering economic growth to tackling the climate crisis and equalling out societal outcomes. Achieving this means using every lever at our disposal, and it’s clear there is more the industry can be doing to harness the power of digital,” said Murray Rowden, global head of infrastructure at Turner & Townsend.
“Our survey findings have reinforced this view and are confident in the capacity of digitalisation to unlock greater productivity, security and sustainability. To reach this full potential, clients need to think ‘digital first’ – embedding digital from the earliest stages, integrating it throughout programmes, and ensuring it is fundamental to business strategy,” he concluded.
