Artificial intelligence, BIM, and digital tools are increasingly entering the design, construction and management of infrastructure. However, their use does not diminish the role of professional competence. On the contrary, it raises the requirements for data quality, verification of decisions and the allocation of responsibility.

This was one of the topics at the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference 2026 in New Delhi. The attendees discussed the opportunities of digital transformation and practical conditions for its application in infrastructure projects.

Data are becoming part of project quality

The effectiveness of digital tools and AI depends directly on the quality and structured nature of the source data. If information about a facility is incomplete, incompatible or not organized throughout its life cycle, the possibilities of the new technologies also remain limited.

In this context, the role of BIM is also changing. The information model is becoming both a design tool and part of the system for managing the data about the facility: from preparation and construction through to subsequent operation.

At the same time, the results obtained with the use of AI require professional verification by a human.

Digitalization is also changing contractual relations

The spread of AI and digital models raises new questions for project management systems: who owns the data, who has the right to change them, what status digital models have, and who is responsible for decisions prepared with the use of AI.

These questions need to be defined ever more clearly at the contract level as well. Otherwise, digitalization, along with new opportunities, may create new risks and grounds for disputes.

At the same time, the principle remains unchanged: technology can help a specialist make decisions, but it does not take over professional responsibility.

For Ukraine, this discussion is especially relevant in the context of the digital transformation of the construction industry and introduction of BIM.

The more digital tools enter the preparation and implementation of projects, the higher the requirements become for the data quality, competence of specialists, organization of interaction and allocation of responsibility.

Therefore, digital transformation of the infrastructure is not only a question of technology. It is a question of the project management quality and professional capability of its participants.

FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference 2026