Rising concerns over control, governance, and long-term access reshape technology decisions in AEC sector
Australia’s rapidly advancing digital construction sector is facing a new challenge: who owns and controls project data.
According to Revizto’s Bridging the Gap: 2026 Digital Design and Construction Report, 64.4% of Australian architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals are highly concerned about data ownership when selecting technology vendors far above the global average of 37.8%.
The findings highlight a shift in industry priorities. While digital tools such as model-based workflows and collaborative platforms have improved coordination and efficiency, they have also introduced new complexities around data governance, security, and accessibility.
Australia’s AEC sector is among the most digitally mature globally, with 29% of organisations operating mostly or fully model-based workflows, compared to 21.7% worldwide. This maturity is reflected in project outcomes, with lower average budget overruns of 9.8% versus 11.6% globally.
“Data ownership is becoming a strategic priority as construction becomes more digital.” – Jason Howden, Chief Innovation Officer, Revizto
However, as reliance on digital platforms grows, so do concerns about vendor lock-in and restricted access to critical project information. Long project lifecycles often spanning years or decades mean that data must remain accessible and usable even as technologies evolve.
Kurt Brissett, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Built, noted that organisations increasingly depend on vast volumes of infrastructure data but do not always retain full control over it, creating operational and accountability challenges.
Rising technology costs are adding to the pressure, with more than 72% of Australian firms reporting increased spending on software and cloud licensing in the past year. As a result, CIOs and digital leaders are placing greater emphasis on transparency, interoperability, and long-term data governance when evaluating technology platforms.
The report underscores that the next phase of digital transformation in construction will be defined not just by tool adoption, but by how effectively organisations govern and leverage the data those tools generate turning data ownership into a key competitive differentiator.