A new report from the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and Autodesk sets out an urgent call for the UK’s infrastructure and digital construction sectors to accelerate the responsible use of artificial intelligence. AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation outlines how AI is moving from isolated testing to routine application across engineering, consultancy and the wider built environment, and why coordinated action is now essential if the UK is to maintain global competitiveness.
The report highlights that AI is now embedded in daily workflows, supporting design development, analysis, modelling and delivery. It also shows how AI-enabled automation is reshaping digital construction processes, increasing productivity and improving project performance. According to the findings, 68% of UK business leaders are increasing technology investment, a figure that sits above global averages. Automation supported by AI is reporting productivity gains of up to 40%, alongside reductions in project overruns of up to 25%.
This shift is also influencing the skills profile of engineering and infrastructure delivery. Demand is rising for AI literacy, data interpretation, digital skills and professional oversight. Rather than displacing roles, the report argues that AI is strengthening engineering practice by enabling teams to focus on higher-value activities and deliver more efficient and resilient outcomes.
Securing benefits
To secure these benefits at scale, ACE and Autodesk outline a set of recommended actions for both industry and government.
For industry, the report calls for the establishment of ethical AI governance, controlled testing environments and targeted investment in digital and AI-related training.
For government, it proposes the development of a National AI in Engineering Strategy, updated procurement models that support innovation, and an expansion of apprenticeships and accreditation pathways linked to AI and digital construction.
Kate Jennings, Chief Executive of ACE, said that the sector has reached a pivotal moment. She emphasised that AI will not replace engineers but will enable more effective problem-solving across national infrastructure and energy resilience. With the right frameworks, she noted, the UK can take a leading position in safe and ethical AI deployment while strengthening its engineering capability.
Paul Marland, Director of EMEA Construction at Autodesk, highlighted AI’s role in enabling engineers to focus on strategic insight and innovation. He stressed that collaboration between government and industry will be essential to ensure ethical adoption and to deliver the infrastructure required for long-term economic growth.
The report concludes that the UK has the industrial capacity, research strength and emerging skills base to lead the global market in AI-driven engineering. Achieving this, however, relies on sustained investment, digital skills development and a coordinated national approach that places AI at the centre of infrastructure planning and delivery.
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