The government has been called on to create a National AI in Engineering Strategy following a new report from Autodesk and The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).
The report argues that the UK’s progress on AI adoption is rapidly outpacing the policy framework intended to support it, and warns that a lack of a clearer direction, could result in the country losing its competitive lead in engineering and infrastructure.
According to the findings of the report, AI automation has increased engineering productivity by up to 40%, while project overruns were found to have dropped by 25%.
Entrepreneurs are already bullish on keeping pace, with over two-thirds (68%) of polled UK business leaders increasing investment in new technologies.
However, the report has claimed that adoption remains “uneven” and “largely unsupported by coherent government policy”.
“AI will not replace engineers; it will empower them to reimagine what is possible. We are at an historic inflection point for the UK’s consultancy and engineering sector,” said Kate Jennings, chief executive of ACE.
“From energy resilience to national infrastructure, our work underpins prosperity and progress – and AI is now reshaping how we deliver it. With the right frameworks, leadership, and skills, the UK can lead the world in safe, ethical and innovative engineering.
“Our priority is ensuring technology enhances the human expertise that defines our profession, delivering lasting value for communities and the planet.”
To that end, the report has urged the government to establish ethical AI governance, enable controlled testing and rapid adoption of the technology and invest in digital skills and AI training.
“Collaboration between industry and government will be key to establishing effective frameworks and policies, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of engineering excellence and can deliver the infrastructure that will underpin long-term growth,” added Autodesk director of EMEA construction Paul Marland.
