This week, the Consigli Community gathered in London to discuss one of the most pressing questions facing the construction and engineering industries: Are we truly embracing AI-driven innovation, or are we holding onto "business as usual"? The event brought together industry leading general contractors to explore the rapid evolution of AI, the challenges of adoption, and the long-term impact on potentially outdated business models.
AI is no longer a distant concept, it is reshaping the way projects are designed, managed, and executed. Companies that harness AI are improving their decision-making, reducing risk and cost. Yet, despite these advantages, resistance to AI remains a significant hurdle. Many businesses struggle to move beyond traditional processes, often due to uncertainty about AI’s reliability, the challenge of integrating it into existing workflows, or concerns about job displacement. The discussions in London made it clear that while AI has the potential to drive unprecedented change and reduce risk associated with human error, its adoption is not without obstacles.
One of the most thought-provoking conversations centered on whether AI agents could mark the end of traditional Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. As AI agents become more autonomous and capable of performing complex tasks without human intervention, the way businesses access and utilise software is evolving. This shift raises important questions about how businesses will use and manage software in the future, and whether traditional digital tools will still be needed as AI becomes more advanced.
Consigli is at the forefront of this transformation. By developing the Autonomous Engineer, we are working to bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation. The insights shared at this event highlighted the need for businesses to take proactive steps toward AI integration rather than waiting for industry-wide shifts to dictate change. It’s clear that companies must decide whether to lead the charge in AI adoption or risk falling behind.