Foreword from the President and CEO

We also consider the lessons that can be learnt from the rapid pace of change that occurred during the Covid pandemic. Suddenly, companies found themselves in a situation where systems that would have taken six months if not years to implement, had to have them in operation within weeks if not months . . . and they did. This goes to show the scale of adaptability that can be achieved if the impetus is there.

The report also looks at the development of technology and how it is being used across various sectors, from energy and railways through to improving and retrofitting buildings. This provides insight into the fact that a number of the emerging technologies, such as AI, are already being used and are already having a significant effect on the way we procure, design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure.

Finally, having considered all of the above, we ask the question that is in the back of everyone’s mind with such radical change - and that is the question of cyber security. The report provides real examples where infrastructure has been a target for malicious activity, but it needs to be stressed that cyber security, whilst important, is a barrier that has to be addressed and embracing innovation may be the only way to do this as attacks continue to evolve and become increasingly complex.