NextBuild Digital Blueprint
Ready for Construction 2030? Download and read our rich, evidence -based blueprint — 16 must-watch technologies distilled from 1,400+ citations, surveys and interviews, mapping wins, focus areas and clear recommendations for Australia’s construction industry.
Why this research matters to Australia’s construction industry
Labour shortages, productivity drag and net-zero targets are colliding with rapid tech advances. Our study distils 970 web sources, 342 papers and frontline insights into a roadmap that shows where to invest first, why, and how to scale safely.
To ensure building construction companies, unions, vendors, industry bodies, and educators are ready for the future, we have conducted comprehensive research project to understand:
✅ How emerging technologies are being adopted
✅ What’s driving change—and what’s holding it back
✅ The skills and training needed for tomorrow’s workforce
✅ How businesses, suppliers, and educators can prepare for the shift
Data. Data. and more data…
Analysed
Interviews
ACCESS THE NEXTBUILD digital blueprint
access THE full report
Download the full 250 page report and dive deep into the research.
access THE SHORTER REPORT
Don’t want to read every word in the research? Download the shorter version of the report.
listen to the podcast
Listen to the short podcast discussing this deep dive report.
access the supplementary material
Access the reference list and various Appendix material.
JUST SOME OF THE KEY FINDINGS...
There is a lot in our report. Download and take the time to read and reflect. By combining rigorous academic review with real‑world stakeholder input, the report provides a credible baseline from which Australia’s construction community — from small trade contractors to large tier‑one builders — can chart a coordinated, scalable and people‑centred digitalisation pathway.
Efficiency & Safety dominate
Both topics are heavily mentioned across every evidence stream, outscoring cost, quality and sustainability.
AI, BIM, drones and digital twins
These already available technologies are forecast to jump from niche to mainstream relevance within five years.
High capital cost, skills gaps, regulation and integration pain
Form an inter‑locking adoption bottleneck loop requiring concerted effort.
Pilot projects plus targeted up‑skilling
Are the top levers required to accelerate safe, scalable rollout with future cost reductions.
| Technology | Literature Review | Various Webpages | Stakeholder Surveys | Interviews | Overall Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing | Widely researched – 40+ papers, numerous hurdles | Showcase houses, rapid build | 50 % RTOs plan within 3 yrs | Demo projects for housing | Low-Med (3.3/10) |
| AI | Highest citations, ROI emerging | Most touted game-changer | #1 future tech for vendors | Pilots for dashboards | Med-High (7.4/10) |
| Augmented Reality | 20+ studies, accuracy gains | Design review apps with AR rising | 40 % RTOs teach or pilot | Remote expert support | Medium (5.2/10) |
| Autonomous Vehicles | Early research, safety focus | Limited construction coverage | Only 1 builder interested | Future wave, needs standards | Low (1.6/10) |
| Blockchain | 25+ papers, legal grey zone | Sparse Australian pilots | Minimal uptake all groups | No clear path yet | Low (1.8/10) |
| BIM | Mature research, central for construction | Core topic of every project | 100 % builders use | Low-hanging fruit | High (9.3/10) |
| Cybersecurity | Under-researched, essential | Rising after incidents | 40 % RTOs plan units | Must be built-in | Medium (5.5/10) |
| Digital Twins | Lifecycle optimisation | Smart asset focus | 32 % RTOs teach basics | High future potential | Medium (5.0/10) |
| Drones | Safety & tracking benefits | Widespread examples | 2/4 builders operate | Positive safety stories | Med-High (7.6/10) |
| Exoskeletons | Ergonomic trials promising | Occasional case pieces | Zero current RTO delivery | Not yet site-ready | Low (1.4/10) |
| IoT | Sensor networks, predictive | Wearables, smart sensors | 25-40 % inclusion plans | Data fragmentation issue | Medium (5.4/10) |
| Mixed Reality | Early research, limited | Product launches only | Very few formal courses | Next step after AR | Low (2.2/10) |
| Robotics | Productivity gains proven | Pilot sites, ROI debate | 50 % gov list as urgent | Better for prefab plants | Medium (5.3/10) |
| Simulators | Strong VR safety evidence | Growing supplier base | 63 % RTOs deploy VR | 30-min vs 6-hr efficiency | Med-High (7.7/10) |
| Site Sensors | Concrete cure, vibration | Tunnel & high-rise cases | 35 % RTOs include basics | Need data standards | Medium Maturity (5.3/10) |
| Virtual Reality | Extensive training efficacy | High visibility safety | 63 % RTOs active | Strong engagement stats | High Maturity (8.2/10) |
ACCESS THE NEXTBUILD digital blueprint
access THE full report
Download the full 250 page report and dive deep into the research.
access THE SHORTER REPORT
Don’t want to read every word in the research? Download the shorter version of the report.
listen to the podcast
Listen to the short podcast discussing this deep dive report.
access the supplementary material
Access the reference list and various Appendix material.
acknowledgement and Thank-YOU
This report was made possible through the collective efforts and contributions of many organisations and individuals across Australia’s construction ecosystem.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of BuildSkills Australia, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the Building Construction Industry Training Fund South Australia (BCITF SA) and the Construction Training Fund Western Australia (CTF WA), whose joint funding enabled the research, data collection and analysis presented here. We also thank the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) for its leadership and coordination throughout the project.
Sincere thanks go to the 37 survey respondents and 12 interview participants — builders, subcontractors, industry representatives, educators, regulators and technology vendors — who generously shared their time, insights and candid experiences. Their on‑the‑ground perspectives are the foundation of the findings and recommendations that follow.
Special appreciation is extended to the academic and industry reviewers who provided thoughtful feedback on early drafts, and we recognise the dedication of the project team whose commitment to rigorous research and clear communication ensured the report’s completion.
To all who contributed, thank you. Your collaboration advances the shared goal of a safer, more productive and more sustainable Australian construction sector.
Need more information? contact us with any questions you may have, reach out to our project lead – Peter spinda.
peter spinda
Partner & CEO
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