French construction companies are taking the turn towards AI and digitalization

Artificial intelligence: the keen interest of French companies

While 26% of respondents have invested in artificial intelligence over the last 3 years, 44% now want to invest in it in the next 3 years. A clear increase of 18 points at the global level, which is not unrelated to the rise of generative intelligence.

In Europe, France is a leader in this area with 47% of companies wishing to invest in this technology. AI is therefore one of the investment priorities in France. This figure is higher than for our German (41%), English (41%) and Italian (40%) neighbors.

If AI is starting to penetrate the construction market, it is thanks to existing infrastructures and in particular to the behaviors that have been integrated by professionals. Digitalization, which one might imagine would be difficult to implement in a traditional sector, is nevertheless a prerequisite for its implementation. Proof of this is that companies in the sector have already taken this technological shift. This is also what the study demonstrates.

In a context of crisis in the construction and real estate sector, there is good news: digitalization continues. And this despite the persistence of some obstacles, and particularly the fear of a low return on investment (28%) and too costly implementation (21%).

Digitalization already at the heart of construction and property management processes

In terms of technology, construction management software and platforms constitute the primary investment item. Thus, 77% of respondents plan to increase their investments in construction project management software in the coming years (compared to 74% in the previous three years).

A continuity which is being consolidated, illustrating the desire of construction and real estate companies to seize the opportunities brought by this aspect of digitalization.

Connecting all project participants and providing real-time access to relevant data, improving quality and speed, while making savings: these are the objectives of integrating construction management software and platforms .

[1] PlanRadar 2023 study, conducted among 1326 construction and real estate professionals in 15 countries including Germany, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Serbia and Slovakia.