Digital technologies in the AEC sector: a comparative study of digital competence among industry practitioners

Abstract

The successful implementation of digital technologies (DT) in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects necessitates workflow adjustment, crew scheduling, equipment optimization, and efficient collaboration among project parties. Understanding the digital capabilities of industry professionals is essential for the effective deployment of DT. This paper examines the competence of AEC practitioners in 14 types of DT through a questionnaire survey involving 428 participants. Descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations, were calculated to understand the competence levels of different DT. Specific inferential statistical tests, such as chi-square tests and Mann–Whitney U tests investigated disparities in competence across different business types, operational years, and company sizes. The results indicate that cloud technology, global positioning systems, and building information modeling were predominantly recognized and utilized, whereas blockchain remained underexplored. Notably, building contractors, small and medium-sized enterprises, and start-ups lagged behind their counterparts in digital competence, with large-scale enterprises exhibiting better knowledge but limited implementation of DT. The findings underscore the need for targeted upskilling efforts to harness DT knowledge effectively and manage digital resources within organizations undergoing digital transformation. The research contributes to the literature on digital competence within the AEC sector and sets the stage for further research into effective DT adoption and deployment interventions.