The UK government has been called upon to create a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Engineering strategy by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and software group Autodesk.
Within a new report, AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation, the groups conclude that AI has moved beyond pilot projects and is now being used in routine delivery across the built environment. The authors say the technology is lifting productivity, shortening design cycles and changing the shape of professional roles, but that co-ordinated action from industry and government is needed to realise the full benefit.
For government, the authors call for a national AI in Engineering strategy developed in partnership with industry, modernising public procurement to reward innovation and expanding apprenticeships and professional accreditation that include AI competencies.
Survey and case-study evidence cited by the authors indicates 68% of UK business leaders plan to increase investment in technology, a rate the report says is higher than global averages. It also states that AI-enabled automation can increase productivity by as much as 40% on some tasks and may cut project overruns by up to 25%.
Rather than forecasting mass job losses, the document portrays AI as reshaping engineering roles where employers are seeking skills in AI literacy, data interpretation, ethics and professional oversight. The report argues that AI will augment engineers’ expertise, enabling faster, more efficient and more resilient solutions.
To accelerate adoption and manage risks, ACE and Autodesk set out a series of recommendations for both industry and government. For firms, the report urges the establishment of ethical AI governance frameworks, controlled testbeds to speed safe deployment and investment in digital skills and training.
The call comes as UK infrastructure projects face persistent challenges including cost overruns, skills shortages and complex regulatory requirements. Proponents of AI say the technology offers tools to improve design optimisation, predictive maintenance and construction planning, potentially reducing waste and improving delivery times. Critics caution that rapid adoption without adequate oversight could introduce new risks, from biased decision-making to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Delivering on the skills agenda would require coordinated investment across employers, training providers and government, while changes to procurement rules would need political support and legislative or policy reform.
The report adds to a growing policy conversation about how the UK should position itself in an AI-driven economy. Ministers are already developing cross-sector AI strategies, but the ACE and Autodesk paper argues the engineering sector needs a bespoke plan to reflect its distinct regulatory, safety and skills requirements.
As infrastructure projects are central to national growth and resilience, pressure is mounting on both the public and private sectors to demonstrate how emerging technologies can be harnessed responsibly to improve outcomes without compromising safety or fairness. The ACE–Autodesk report frames that challenge as both urgent and achievable, provided industry and government act in collaboration.
ACE chief executive Kate Jennings said: “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.
“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.”
Autodesk director of EMEA construction Paul Marland said: “AI is revolutionising engineering, driving both creativity and efficiency.
“It enables engineers to envision solutions previously unimaginable. By automating routine tasks, AI allows engineers to focus on strategic insights and innovation.
“The world’s designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything, and we are committed to fostering ethical AI adoption that amplifies human expertise and creates sustainable solutions.
“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.”
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