WDBE UPDATES // Meet our keynote speaker!

Digital Transformation of the Built Environment Sets New Requirements: Future Today Expert Sheds Light on Future Prospects at the WDBE 2024 Summit

The WDBE Summit, which brings together professionals interested in the digitalization of the built environment, will be held for the seventh time on October 3-4 in Helsinki and Tallinn. This non-profit event, specifically aimed at pioneers in the digitalization of the built environment, was established to provide a unique platform for silo-free discussions on the sustainable digitalization of the industry.

Keynote Speech Backed by the 2024 Tech Trends Report

Future Today Institute’s annually published Tech Trends Report has been a reliable source for industry trends and future scenarios for 17 years. The 2024 Tech Trends Report, launched at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, addresses the impact of technology and future scenarios in the built environment sector. The institute’s founder, Amy Webb, opened the conference by discussing the concept of the “Supercycle of Technologies,” where technological disruption is driven by an ecosystem of AI, biotechnology, and smart devices. This disruption broadly affects every industry, including the built environment, with significant implications.

In their report, Future Today Institute emphasizes the opportunities and challenges brought by the digitalization of the built environment. With rapid technological advancements, professionals in the built environment strive to stay relevant by leveraging AI, robotics, and other new construction practices. The industry is broadly considering how these technologies can enhance project speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Additionally, it is crucial to integrate human-centred behaviour patterns with technological development.

In the future, integrated data and models based on this data will play a central role. Clients want to see evidence of the financial performance of projects and be more actively involved in utilizing data. With digital development, cities also need long-term strategies, where AI and digital twins offer numerous possibilities. Moreover, in the face of climate change, increasing green infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

“Currently, there is a convergence of trends that will impact how communities interact, cities are organized, and businesses operate. This convergence poses novel risks and opportunities for the built environment, which will require new ways of designing, building, and providing value to clients. To prepare for this new landscape, we must move past the collective fear, uncertainty, and doubt to strategically control the narrative and direction of this future” emphasizes Mark Bryan on the future of the built environment

While technological disruption offers numerous opportunities, it also brings challenges. The challenges of scaling technology, changing traditional industry behaviours, and resistance to change are just a few of the mentioned threats. Additionally, new data privacy requirements pose challenges for increasing data collection in the industry.

Mark Bryan’s keynote speech is expected to shed light on prospects in the digitalization of the built environment and provide valuable insights for industry professionals. Attendees can expect in-depth analysis of industry trends and practical tips for future challenges.