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Case Study

Digital & Data in the Construction Sector

A comprehensive study establishing a baseline for digital and data adoption in Scotland’s construction sector and mapping the wider supply chain to support resilience and innovation.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Optimat was commissioned by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) to provide a baseline position to support the development of Digital and Data Strategies for the construction sector. We were also commissioned to map the wider Scottish industry supply chain in response to the Construction Industry Recovery Plan, specifically the workstream relating to ‘Supply Chain Resilience and Capability’.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Production of a market baselining report covering specific digital technologies and rate of adoption in the construction sector
Assess culture and attitudes towards digital and data, current skills and competencies and sector specific technologies and solutions
Mapping of the construction sector supply chain
Focussed analysis of timber, recycled materials and other sustainable natural materials across the supply chain

Production of a market baselining report covering specific digital technologies and rate of adoption in the construction sector
Assess culture and attitudes towards digital and data, current skills and competencies and sector specific technologies and solutions
Mapping of the construction sector supply chain
Focussed analysis of timber, recycled materials and other sustainable natural materials across the supply chain




OUR APPROACH

For the digital and data market reports, our methodology involved reviewing credible sector reports and studies to identify commonalities relating to the study objectives (as above), before synthesising the information and testing themes against findings from industry workshops held previously.

For the supply chain mapping exercise, the first stage of the project consisted of developing a framework for the wider construction industry supply chain based on 5-digit SIC codes; the second stage involved developing a database of over 800 Scottish companies involved in timber, recycled materials and sustainable natural materials and developing detailed supply chain maps.

DELIVERY TEAM

Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
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John Taylor
Senior Consultant
About>
Ashley Stewart
Director & Senior Consultant
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Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

Digital & Data in Construction Baseline Report – Key Findings

  • The construction sector remains one of the least digitised sectors globally and this is no different in Scotland (or the UK)
  • COVID-19 and other market conditions (e.g., quicker delivery, more affordable, etc) have accelerated the need for digital & data technologies
  • BIM is the most widely adopted tech with AR/VR, drones, design for offsite, IoT, 3D printing, data & analytics emerging
  • Traditional cultures and mindsets prohibit mainstream digital/data adoption, but attitudes are shifting toward digitisation
  • Digital/data skills development (especially understanding the value of data) remains a priority as demand for data analysts, software developers and technology maintenance staff increases
  • The construction support ecosystem is well established but can do more to support mainstream adoption of digital/data

Construction Sector Supply Chain Mapping – Key Findings

  • Traditionally defined industry (by SIC codes) is comprised of 20,675 enterprises with employment of 142,425 in Scotland
  • Widening industry to include >80% of supply chain (by value inputs) expands industry to 23,595 enterprises (175,825 staff)

There is an extensive supply chain in the production of timber materials, products and systems. Various projects are underway to utilise ‘home-grown’ timber in more structural applications.

“Optimat supported CSIC in overcoming significant challenges in relation to the project scope and delivery timescales. The team demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and an in-depth knowledge base that added great value to both streams of activity. We are delighted with the outputs.”

Lynsey Brydson
Head of Digital Programmes

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

John Taylor

Senior Consultant

I’m John Taylor, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. Since joining the company in 2003, I have developed specialisms in sustainability and net zero related studies. This includes projecting future market demand scenarios, profiling regional supply chain capabilities, identifying and evaluating public sector support interventions and understanding future net zero skills needs across transport, built environment, energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and waste and the circular economy.

I am also one of the lead consultants for economic impact assessments and evaluation of challenge-fund programme and project applications. An experienced innovation due diligence assessor, I focus on reviewing R&D project applications with environmental outcomes. I like to work with good people in teams that deliver insights and outputs that clients value.

Prior to joining Optimat, I started a company to create online platforms to catalyse collaboration between companies and research organisations. Before this, I spent seven years working in the Scottish economic development network, supporting start-up and growing businesses, across all sectors, to develop business plans and access funding.

I have a BA(hons) in Business Economics and Marketing, an MSc in Entrepreneurial Studies and an MSc in Economic Management & Policy with Environmental Economics.

Dr Ashley Stewart

Director & Senior Consultant

I’m Ashley, a Director and Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, from AI and Automation to Space, Immersive and Geospatial, helping to advance Scotland’s wider enabling technologies.  I support the growth of high-innovation sectors where Scotland has the potential to lead globally.

For over 15 years at Optimat, I’ve helped industries, organisations and governments use digital and emerging technologies to unlock growth and sharpen their competitiveness. Recent work has focused on AI, building a clearer picture of Scotland’s capabilities and adoption opportunities, and on Space, where I’ve delivered insights that shape strategies for industry growth, Net Zero pathways and new infrastructure, such as spaceports. Across the full breadth of digital and emerging technologies, my role is about turning evidence into action and ensuring Scotland stays globally competitive as technologies and industries evolve.

Another core area of expertise is cluster development and strategy. I established, and now lead, Location Data Scotland, building it from the ground up into a vibrant geospatial community. Beyond geospatial, I’ve developed roadmaps and action plans across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. This combines market and technology analysis with stakeholder engagement to map assets, identify opportunities and design interventions that support innovation and competitiveness.

Before joining Optimat, I worked as a Research Technologist in academia, gaining insight into how technologies move from research to real-world application. That experience, combined with two decades in consultancy, enables me to bridge research, policy and industry to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions. I hold a BA in Marketing, an MSc in IT & Web Development, and a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning & Communities of Practice.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.