The latest initiative led by Callaghan Innovation may help offer the innovative solutions which a new report is calling for
The report by Ernest Young (EY) takes an in-depth look at AI opportunities in the infrastructure sector.
The infrastructure industry is facing unprecedented challenges, including climate change, urban expansion, economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions. AI offers a transformative pathway to tackle these challenges by providing solutions that break down barriers between stakeholders, reduce costs, and expedite project delivery.
The infrastructure industry has made a good start in adopting AI, but greater investment is needed to achieve significant impact. AI enables the industry to take a more holistic view and can unlock value across an asset lifecycle, moving from a linear approach to a more flexible model. However, to reap the benefits of AI, the sector needs to think and operate differently.
The report identifies several key trends and challenges to AI adoption in the infrastructure sector:
- Holistic View: AI enables a more comprehensive approach to planning, design, construction, and asset management.
- Investment Needs: An estimated US$139 trillion in sustainable infrastructure investment is required globally to move towards net zero by 2050, while US$94 trillion must be invested by 2040 to close existing gaps and align with future economic changes.
- Mindset Shift: The sector must adopt a new mindset, skillset, and toolset to fully leverage AI’s potential.
AI-enabled technologies can optimize various aspects of infrastructure projects:
- Planning and Design: AI can enhance the planning and design phases by providing more accurate predictions and simulations.
- Construction: AI can improve construction processes by optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste.
- Asset Management: AI can enhance asset management by predicting maintenance needs and extending the lifespan of assets.
To drive transformation, the infrastructure sector must embrace AI industry-wide. Collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to overcoming barriers and achieving significant impact. The report highlights the importance of innovative thinking and the need for the sector to operate differently to unlock AI’s full potential.
AI Activator Initiative
A new initiative led by Callaghan Innovation, the AI Activator, aims to support Kiwi businesses of all sizes and stages to boost productivity and competitiveness through AI. Launched by Science Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins at the Aotearoa AI Summit, the AI Activator is designed to boost economic growth and exports via the rapid adoption of AI. The initiative is a collaboration between Callaghan Innovation, NZTE, and NIWA.
The AI Activator provides access to AI expertise, R&D resources, AI tools for businesses, and interactive learning modules. It supports businesses in understanding the basics, opportunities, and risk mitigations for AI solutions. The initiative is based on the highly effective ‘activator’ model developed by Callaghan Innovation for ecosystem-wide support.
As part of the AI Activator, Callaghan Innovation announced GovGPT, a new proof of concept product. GovGPT is an AI conversational companion designed to help businesses get the information they need from Government websites faster. It makes information available from a range of business-related Government websites through a simple, chat-like interface. The GovGPT pilot is expected to be available on the Callaghan Innovation website in October.
AI offers a transformative pathway for the infrastructure sector to address its challenges and achieve sustainable growth. By adopting a new mindset, skillset, and toolset, the sector can unlock significant value and transform how it delivers and operates infrastructure projects.
Initiatives like the AI Activator and GovGPT demonstrate the potential of AI to drive economic growth and support businesses in their AI journey.
