A major rally call has been issued to the UK’s infrastructure sector to harness the transformative power of AI.

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and Autodesk, the global design and make software company, today launch AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation, a new report revealing how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the UK engineering and consultancy sector - and why urgent, coordinated action is needed to secure Britain’s global leadership.

The paper finds that AI has shifted from experimentation to everyday delivery, boosting productivity, accelerating design and analysis and redefining professional roles across the built environment.

Key findings include:

• 68% of UK business leaders are increasing technology investment, above global averages
• AI-enabled automation is lifting productivity by up to 40% and reducing project overruns by as much as 25%
• Engineering roles are evolving, with growing demand for AI literacy, data interpretation, ethics and professional oversight

Rather than replacing engineers, the report argues AI is enhancing expertise and elevating the profession, enabling faster, more efficient and more resilient solutions.
The report urges both government and industry to move decisively:

Industry:
• Establish ethical AI governance
• Enable controlled testing and rapid adoption
• Invest in digital skills and AI training

Government:
• Develop a National AI in Engineering Strategy in partnership with industry
• Modernise procurement to incentivise innovation
• Expand apprenticeships and professional accreditation in AI

Kate Jennings, ACE Chief Executive, 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.”

Paul Marland, Director of EMEA Construction at Autodesk, 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.” 

The report concludes that the UK has the industrial strength, research base, and talent pipeline to lead the world in AI-powered engineering and infrastructure delivery, but only with decisive investment and long-term skills planning.

Click here to read the full report.