FESCOMAD 2023: EXPERT TABLE
Silvia Roldán Fernández (Deputy Minister of Digitalization, Community of Madrid), Carlos Martínez Bertrand (Director of Innovation, Quality, Environment and PRL, SEOPAN), Lucas Moore Blasco (Expert in Digitalization and New Technologies of UGT-FICA) Sergio López Rivera (Secretary of Sectoral Policy of CCOO), as moderator was Laura Castela Ávila (Director of Communication and Digital Transformation of the FLC). The different interventions shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the digital transformation, industrialization and innovation of a sector often considered conservative but which, in reality, occupies a leading position in the global industry.
One of the most brilliant ideas that was introduced was to define construction as an activity that is more similar to a Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) process than other industries of mass production of goods, such as example automobiles. Each construction site presents unique challenges and specific conditions, which lends itself to innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
Investment in digital transformation was highlighted as a key factor in achieving significant gains in the industry. Despite the widespread perception that the sector has poor digital performance, the reality is much more heterogeneous. To date, digitalization in construction is mainly oriented towards the optimization of technical and human resources, instead of focusing on the improvement of products and services through R&D&I. A change in mentality is essential to promote technological advancement in the sector.
A challenge highlighted at this table was the lack of qualified personnel in the construction industry. It is estimated that 60% of job offers in the sector are not filled, which underlines the urgent need to adapt the industry to a more attractive (digital) environment. Emphasis was placed on the need to embrace "Construction Industry 4.0", which involves the incorporation of emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), robotization, digital twins, blockchain and massive data management.
Innovation is positioned as a fundamental pillar for the sector, but it is recognized that this requires highly qualified labor and the retraining of existing workers. The introduction of technologies such as 3D printing of polymers and concrete, as well as the use of exoskeletons, is booming and can revolutionize the industry by increasing efficiency and reducing occupational risks.
An important focus during the roundtable was the idea of "innovative public procurement" in the contracting process. This involves the promotion of innovation through public tenders that encourage the development and adoption of advanced technological solutions.
Job security was also discussed at the roundtable. The implementation of digital technologies can significantly contribute to reducing accidents in the construction industry, a persistent problem in the sector.
