The future of construction in France according to 200 directors and senior executives

• Near 2 out of 5 companies (38%) plan to introduce construction management platforms into their business over the next 12 months
• 38% of French construction companies begin their digital transition
• 28 % rank proficiency in technology as the skill they believe will be most in demand in the construction industry
• 80 % say that decarbonization will be a major challenge for them in the next 3 years^[2]

Today, the construction industry faces numerous challenges that require it to reinvent itself in order to maintain a sustainable economic model. In this context of recovery, construction professionals identified the lack of visibility on potential future projects (25,37%), the management of disputes and payments with clients (24,38%), and coping with rising costs while increasing productivity (23,88%) as the main challenges to be addressed in the next 12 months ^[1].

Furthermore, the ever-increasing number of rework tasks continues to derail the sector's path to profitability. Respondents revealed that, on average in France, 21% of the time spent on a typical project is dedicated to reworking or correcting problems ^[3] . These problems must be resolved if companies or individuals are to adhere to their priorities for the coming year and thus remain competitive.

Despite the considerable challenges facing the sector, 74% of decision-makers globally say they expect the number of projects to increase by 20% or more over the next 12 months ^[4].

For Irmak Arkun, product manager at Procore France: “In an environment where the pressures that companies face come from the results rather than from the decision-makers, the interest of the digital transition for the actors of the construction world becomes obvious. Today, nearly 2 in 5 companies (38%) plan to introduce construction management platforms into their businesses in the next 12 months. »

The construction industry recognizes the transformative power of technology and data

The industry is aware of the benefits of technology as an alternative to paper-based processes, but a heavy reliance on it remains. Indeed, around 40% manage their processes (such as estimating and pricing, quality, design management, safety, cost control and much more) on paper or on messaging platforms like WhatsApp .

However, the study reveals that 54% of French companies have started their digital transition. On the economic side, companies said they could save 24% (average: percentage of potential savings) if they collected, integrated and standardized data more efficiently.

60% of the French decision-makers questioned expressed their preference for integrated solutions because they make it possible to meet the majority of their needs, require less initial investment and are quicker to set up. The ability to target a particular business need and the fact that an integrated platform reduces the risk of incidents impacting other company systems are also among the main reasons why companies prefer individual software solutions.

Finally, the integration of all the data and information is a major advantage for professionals in the sector who thus avoid the partial loss of the latter through the various flows. According to the study, the exploitation of data leads to better decision-making and enhanced productivity and companies believe that "Cost reduction" is the first benefit to be gained from an increased investment in the collection, integration and data standardization.

A sector resolutely turned towards the future

The construction sector is experiencing a revival in its values ​​and commitments, thus creating a real corporate culture. On the one hand, the well-being of staff becomes a priority. On the other hand, it is the standards for sustainable development and social responsibility as a whole that matter.

Indeed, the study shows that the positive work culture is changing in the construction industry today and companies plan to do even more in the next 12 months. Of the respondents, 42% say they have well-being and mental health initiatives or policies in place to improve the development of their staff and reduce the risk of burnout. 43% of respondents have diversity and inclusion policies in place and 48% of decision makers surveyed have implemented a reduced working time policy to promote a better work-life balance.

Regarding sustainable development, only 36% of respondents currently comply with the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems, and 17% do not plan to do so in the next 12 months. Despite this, younger generations of workers, particularly Generation Z, are highly aware of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, and reducing CO2 emissions is a major objective for decision-makers. In fact, 80% ^[2] say that decarbonization will be a significant challenge for them in the next three years.

For Irmak Arkun: “These results are not only good news for today, but also for the future. In the face of persistent headwinds in the construction industry globally, decision makers in France continue to show resilience and adaptability to strategize for long-term success. Accelerating digital transformation and unlocking the value of data to improve decision-making, visibility, security, customer experience, as well as sustainability, will not only improve efficiency and results in the industry today , but also to increase its ability to navigate unforeseen challenges and expectations tomorrow. »

Download the report The future of construction in France in EMEA 2023.

[1] Based on the highest percentage of respondents who chose this answer as one of their top three choices.

[2] All “Yes” responses combined.

[3] Average: Percentage of time spent reworking or fixing issues on a typical project.

[4] Combined responses “Substantial increase (20% or more)” and “Slight increase (up to 20%)”.