Report: Construction firms say they have AI strategies—but few are using them to drive decisions
Key Highlights
- Most construction firms are in the early stages of adopting advanced technologies, with only 43% fully integrated across operations.
- While 82% have an AI strategy, only about 33% utilize real-time, automated decision-making, highlighting room for growth.
- A significant 80% of firms experienced a data breach in the past year, despite 73% planning increased cybersecurity investments.
- Larger firms with over $250M in revenue are more likely to use real-time insights for automated decisions compared to smaller firms.
- Construction leaders see technology as vital for speed and value, but many organizations are still working toward enterprise-wide alignment.
A new Wipfli survey of 308 construction executives suggests the industry is eager to modernize but remains in the early stages of technology adoption. While 82% of respondents say they have an AI strategy, most describe limited, entry-level use rather than integrating AI into strategic decision-making.
Seventy-three percent plan to increase cybersecurity investment in the next year, yet 80% reported a data breach in the past 12 months—underscoring gaps between intent and execution.
“Technology maturity in construction is still in its adolescence,” said Brad Werner, partner and construction and real estate industry leader at Wipfli. “Integration isn’t optional; it’s the unlock for speed and value.”
By the numbers
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66% of the smallest firms now report having an AI strategy.
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43% say advanced technologies are fully integrated across their operations.
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~33% have achieved real-time, automated decision-making—a key step toward AI’s predictive capabilities.
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Among firms with >$250M in annual revenue, 47% say real-time insights drive automated decisions (vs. 17% of firms under $50M).
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Even at the top end of the market, 12% still rely primarily on manual reporting.
Bottom line
Construction leaders recognize the value of technology, but many organizations are still moving from experimentation to enterprise-wide alignment—where platforms, data and workflows connect to deliver faster, smarter decisions.
Download the full report from Wipfli for details on how construction firms are prioritizing and implementing technology in 2025.