John Dawson, director at Creative ITC, explores how shifting global politics, new standards of cybersecurity and the ever expanding applications of AI will change construction IT practices in 2026
Construction is entering 2026 with unprecedented digital demands. BIM models are bigger, site coordination is real-time, and leaders are now demanding that AI moves from hype to hard ROI. These pressures will reshape IT strategies across the sector. Firms that fail to adapt risk delays, spiralling costs, and competitive disadvantage. Here are five tech trends every construction leader needs to know.
Performance pressure will force role-specific IT
The days of “one-size-fits-all” IT are over. High-resolution BIM visualisation, clash detection, and digital twins demand far more computing power than traditional workflows. Yet many firms still apply blanket setups across teams. In 2026, that approach will break projects. Role-specific provisioning will become essential, with hardware and software tailored to the needs of each discipline. This shift will ensure every pound spent on IT delivers measurable productivity.
Geopolitics will drive cloud smart strategies
Global political shifts and evolving regulations are forcing organisations to rethink cloud strategies. Construction firms handling sensitive project data, especially on government or critical infrastructure projects, will rethink where and how it is stored. In 2026, expect a surge in “cloud smart” strategies – choosing the right platform for each workload, whether on-premises, private, public or hybrid cloud, or edge deployments – to balance compliance, data sovereignty, resilience, and cost. Those who cling to single-cloud dependency risk exposure to political shifts, regulatory crackdowns, and service outages that could derail projects.
Vendor lock-in will be challenged
The honeymoon with tech giants is ending. Rising costs, restrictive licensing, and high-profile outages have exposed the dangers of over-reliance on hyperscalers. We see many construction firms are already questioning whether their cloud spend delivers real value. In 2026, businesses will push back hard. Transparent pricing, predictable costs, and workload portability will become non-negotiable. Vendor relationships will be judged on flexibility and measurable outcomes. Firms that design for exit as well as entry will stay ahead, avoiding the trap of costly lock-in and opaque billing.
Cyber risk will dominate board agendas
Cybersecurity will overshadow innovation in 2026. With ransomware hitting one in eight AEC firms and incoming UK regulations tightening reporting requirements, boards will take direct ownership of cyber risk. This won’t be optional as clients and regulators will demand proof of resilience. Continuous monitoring and 24/7 threat visibility will become standard practice, while supply chain security will be enforced through Cyber Essentials certification and robust third-party risk management. Security budgets will outpace discretionary tech investments until resilience is embedded enterprise-wide. Firms that fail to act face reputational damage, financial penalties, and operational paralysis.
AI will become ROI-driven
AI will no longer be viewed as a magic box. To avoid money disappearing into the ether, it will become a disciplined investment. Off-the-shelf tools may deliver quick wins, but real value will come from proprietary solutions built around your data and workflows. In 2026, leaders will start by defining clear business objectives – such as reducing rework, improving project scheduling, or enhancing safety – and then build or adapt systems around those goals.
Expect to see controlled pilots that run in secure environments, with success measured within three to six months. If the business case isn’t proven, projects will be paused or reprioritised. Those that focus on use cases and measurable outcomes – rather than chasing the latest tools – will lead the shift toward ROI-focused AI strategies.
Final takeaway
For construction leaders, 2026 will be defined by how well technology strategies align with real project needs. Optimising IT for specific roles, building resilience into infrastructure, and focusing on measurable outcomes will be critical to staying competitive. Firms that take proactive steps now will be best positioned to turn digital challenges into long-term advantage.
