Adoption of Digital Technologies by Built Environment Professionals: A Review from South African Context

The adoption of digital technologies in the South African construction industry has emerged as a transformative force, offering new possibilities and challenges for Built Environment Professionals (BEPs). This review article explores the integration of digital technologies and their impact on the construction sector in South Africa. This review article delves into the current state of the adoption of digital technologies by Built Environment Professionals (BEPs) in South Africa, offering a comprehensive analysis of the key factors influencing their digital transformation journey. Findings from the study revealed that digital technologies have proven instrumental in streamlining processes, enhancing project management, and improving overall productivity. However, the adoption landscape in South Africa is shaped by unique socio-economic factors, regional disparities in technological infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and cultural considerations. The findings further showed that economic constraints in less developed regions may inhibit investments in digital technologies, while the availability of robust technological infrastructure in urban centres presents opportunities for accelerated adoption. Also, clarity in regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding data privacy, intellectual property, and interoperability standards, is essential to foster a conducive environment for digitalisation. Moreover, addressing cultural challenges, such as resistance to change and upskilling the workforce, is critical to ensuring successful digital transformation. The study concluded that the successful adoption of digital technologies by South African BEPs is imperative for driving the industry’s growth and contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.