A new report has revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the UK’s consultancy and engineering sector, driving productivity, redefining roles, and prompting calls for coordinated action across industry and government.
The publication, AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation, released by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) in partnership with Autodesk, finds that 68 per cent of UK business leaders are increasing investment in technology — a proportion that outpaces global averages.
The findings highlight that AI-powered automation is improving productivity by up to 40 per cent while cutting project overruns by as much as 25 per cent. The report argues that the technology is not replacing engineers but instead reinforcing their capabilities and enabling more creative and effective solutions.
It underscores the growing significance of skills in AI literacy, ethics, data interpretation, and professional oversight, stating that such expertise will be vital as roles continue to evolve. ACE chief executive Kate Jennings said: “AI will not replace engineers; it will empower them to reimagine what is possible.”
Jennings added that the UK’s prosperity and progress rest on the strength of its engineering — from energy resilience to the infrastructure that supports daily life — and that artificial intelligence is transforming how that work is delivered. He emphasized that with clear frameworks, strong leadership, and the right skills, the UK has an opportunity to set the global standard for safe, ethical, and innovative engineering.
Moreover, Jennings stated that the goal is to ensure technology complements human expertise, creating enduring benefits for communities and the planet. The report includes case studies from leading industry players such as Mott MacDonald, Stantec, and AECOM, illustrating how AI is already being integrated into day-to-day operations.
These examples show that AI is accelerating design and analysis processes, improving decision-making, and shifting professional responsibilities in the built environment. While the report highlights optimism across the sector, it stresses the need for coordinated planning and long-term commitment.
It urges industry bodies to implement ethical frameworks for AI use, conduct controlled pilots to facilitate adoption, and boost investment in digital training programs. For policymakers, it calls for the creation of a “National AI in Engineering Strategy” with input from industry stakeholders.
Other recommendations include updating procurement processes to reward innovation and expanding access to apprenticeships and accreditation pathways, focusing on AI-related skills. Autodesk’s EMEA construction director Paul Marland said: “AI is revolutionising engineering, driving both creativity and efficiency. It enables engineers to envision solutions previously unimaginable.”
Marland noted that designers, engineers, and builders around the world rely on Autodesk’s technology to bring their ideas to life, and the company is dedicated to promoting responsible use of AI that strengthens human expertise and supports sustainable innovation. He added that close cooperation between industry and government will be essential to creating robust frameworks and policies, helping the UK maintain its leadership in engineering and deliver world-class infrastructure to drive long-term growth.
The authors conclude that the UK’s strong industrial base, advanced research infrastructure, and skilled workforce position it to lead global engineering innovation — if investment, ethics, and workforce development keep pace with technological change.
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