Digitalization in the Italian construction sector: benefits, obstacles and future prospects

Digitalisation in the Italian construction sector brings with it numerous advantages, which translate into greater resilience and better financial returns. Businesses that have adopted advanced digital tools report 28% higher net profit, 18% higher profit margin and 11% improved added value. 

In recent years, the construction sector has benefited from a strong push for innovation thanks to several factors, including tax bonuses, the PNRR and Industry 4.0 incentives. These elements have favored the adoption of digital technologies in construction companies, as highlighted by research conducted by Nielsen for TeamSystem, a leading tech company in the market of digital solutions for businesses and professionals.

Level of digitalisation in construction companies

Although construction companies are less digitalised than the average Italian company, as confirmed by ISTAT data, the sector is still making significant progress. Research found that 52% of construction companies uses advanced digital tools in its processes. Of these, 10% have already achieved a high degree of digitalisation, while the remainder have begun to understand and exploit the potential offered by digital technologies.

Obstacles to digitalization

Although Italian companies recognize the added value of innovation, some remain obstacles which slow down the process digitization. Among these, the perception of complexity of new technologies, resistance to change and the investments necessary for the adoption of new software. Public administration conservatism and, in some cases, infrastructure limitations also represent significant barriers.

Role of incentives and training

Exogenous factors such as i tax bonuses and endogenous factors such as business growth can act as accelerators for the adoption of more advanced software. However, what emerges from the research is a strong need for training to effectively chart the path towards digitalisation. Only a quarter of companies have the implementation of advanced organization tools in mind, and even fewer consider analysis and management tools.

Perspectives on artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence represents an area with potential growth margins for the construction sector. However, there is currently limited understanding of its everyday use. The majority of interviewees mentioned AI only for the automatic comparison of information, useful for facilitating decision-making, thus highlighting a need for greater awareness and training on these technologies.

The construction sector in Italy has started the digitalization process, with a growing awareness of its potential. Nielsen's research for TeamSystem highlights the tangible benefits of adopting digital technologies, but also highlights the need for further investment in training and infrastructure. In order for the sector to fully exploit the advantages of digitalisation, a continuous commitment to training and adequate support through incentives and benefits is essential. The road towards complete digitalisation is still long, but the benefits in terms of turnover and profits make this path indispensable for the future of the Italian construction sector.