AI – Construction’s New Catalyst for Growth

The World Trade Organisation’s latest report makes a bold prediction: artificial intelligence could boost global trade by up to 40% and add 13% to global GDP by 2040. These are staggering figures that underline a truth we in construction cannot ignore — AI is not just another wave of technology; it is becoming the tide that will lift, or leave behind, entire industries.

Construction stands at a unique crossroads. It is one of the oldest industries in the world, yet also one of the most under-digitised. For decades, our sector has struggled with inefficiencies, fragmented supply chains, and stubbornly low productivity. If AI can deliver even a fraction of the potential outlined in the WTO report, then it will not only reshape global trade — it will transform how we build London, Britain and beyond.

From Inefficiency to Intelligence

AI is already stepping into roles that once slowed projects down. Predictive scheduling, AI-driven Building Information Modelling (BIM) and machine learning algorithms for risk assessment are cutting through the delays and overruns that have long plagued our industry. These tools are not theoretical; they are here, they are improving daily and they are beginning to show measurable results.

At London Construction Magazine, we see the future of projects being run less by guesswork and more by data. Designs will evolve in real time, supply chain bottlenecks will be foreseen and resolved before they materialise and site safety will no longer rely solely on human vigilance but be enhanced by smart monitoring systems.

Global Supply Chains, Local Impact

The WTO highlights AI’s potential to reduce friction in cross-border trade. For construction, this is transformative. Faster customs clearance, smarter logistics, and AI-enabled compliance checks mean materials and components move across borders with unprecedented efficiency. In a city like London, where international supply chains underpin everything from concrete pours to glass facades, that efficiency translates directly into reduced project costs and faster delivery.

But this is not just about speed. AI in trade could also support resilience. Our industry has been rocked by supply shocks — from Brexit uncertainty to pandemic disruptions. AI’s predictive and adaptive power could help us weather future storms with far less turbulence.

Levelling Up or Leaving Behind?

Here lies the tension: will AI create opportunity for all, or consolidate advantage in the hands of a few? Large contractors already have the resources to experiment and deploy at scale. But we believe the real revolution will come when small and medium-sized firms adopt AI. Cloud-based platforms, AI-powered design tools and real-time translation could allow SMEs to compete globally, win bigger contracts and deliver smarter solutions.

At London Construction Magazine, our editorial view is clear: AI should be treated not as a threat but as an equaliser. With the right investment in digital skills and infrastructure, even the smallest subcontractor could plug into global supply chains and deliver on par with the industry’s giants.

What Comes Next

We are living through a moment of inflection. The WTO calls AI both a bright spot and a potential divider in global trade. For construction, the challenge is sharper: will we cling to the old ways and risk irrelevance, or will we embrace AI as the new steel and concrete of our age?

Our industry has a track record of being slow to adapt. But London — and the UK more broadly — has an opportunity to lead. By embedding AI in procurement, planning and delivery, and by ensuring that digital training reaches every corner of the sector, we can set a global benchmark for what construction in the AI era should look like.

Our view at LCM is simple: AI is not replacing builders, engineers or designers. It is empowering them. It is stripping out waste, cutting red tape and creating room for the craft and creativity that define great construction. If we act decisively now, AI will not just build smarter projects — it will help build a stronger, fairer industry.

The WTO has thrown down a challenge to the world. For construction, the choice is stark: evolve with AI or be left behind.