The construction industry is standing on the edge of a digital revolution — but many companies are still stuck in the past. While massive amounts of valuable data are generated daily on construction sites, much of it goes unused. According to BDO Global, 98% of data from megaprojects is either discarded or underused. The result? Wasted resources, delayed timelines, and soaring costs.
The good news? This can change — and fast.
Potential Outcomes of Improved Data Sharing
Imagine being able to spot delays before they happen, manage budgets with precision, and collaborate effortlessly across teams. That’s the power of data sharing. Whether it’s through Building Information Modeling (BIM), smart sensors, or AI, sharing digital data allows teams to:
- Track real-time progress
- Reduce costly errors
- Make smarter decisions
- Work more efficiently across project phases
In fact, 35% of construction workers spend 14 hours a week on low-value tasks like searching for information or fixing mistakes. Data-driven tools drastically cut that time.
What’s Holding the Construction Industry Back?
Despite the clear benefits, data sharing in construction faces several challenges:
- Lack of standard protocols leads to miscommunication
- Reluctance to share data due to competitive fears or unclear ownership
- Technological gaps, especially for small firms with limited resources
- Inconsistent data quality and lack of trust between stakeholders
On top of that, many firms still rely on outdated tools like spreadsheets instead of modern digital platforms.
A Future of Smart Construction
Smaller projects can also benefit — but they need tailored support, better access to digital tools, and investment in upskilling teams.
What Needs to Happen Next
For data sharing to truly take off, the industry must:
- Set clear standards and governance models
- Invest in secure, modern IT infrastructure
- Build a culture of collaboration, not competition
- Train workers to use digital tools confidently
The Competitive Edge is Digital
Data sharing isn’t just about technology — it’s about unlocking better ways of working. Firms that embrace this shift won’t just survive; they’ll lead the industry into a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.
Want to build faster, smarter, and more sustainably?
We’re here to help you navigate the opportunities and overcome the challenges of data sharing in construction.
Contact us to get started.
Sources:
Balachander, N. (2024, August 1). Big Data Technology Transforming the Construction Industry. Linarc. https://www.linarc.com/buildspace/transforming-construction-projects-with-big-data-technology
Beck Technology. (2025, July). The Benefits of Data Sharing in Preconstruction. Beck Technology. https://www.beck-technology.com/blog/the-benefits-of-data-sharing-in-preconstruction
ESG News. (2025, January 7). EU Adopts New Rules to Boost Sustainability and Innovation in Construction. ESG News. https://esgnews.com/eu-adopts-new-rules-to-boost-sustainability-and-innovation-in-construction/
PBC Today. (2024, September 10). Data sharing challenges for the construction industry and how to overcome them. PBC Today. https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/digital-construction-news/construction-technology-news/data-sharing-challenges-for-the-construction-industry-and-how-to-overcome-them/143589/
Zonghui, W. (2025, April 2). Sustainability in construction economics as a barrier to cloud computing adoption in small-scale Building projects. Nature. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-93973-8#Sec1
