Analysts, associations, and consultants are releasing statements galore with predictions for AI (artificial intelligence) and other emerging technologies to keep an eye on. While a look at numbers and stats are important, construction executives must continue to focus on strategic imperatives, as they plan technology implementation and overall strategy for the year ahead. And, let’s be honest, many of the strategies for 2026 will be similar to the objectives of years past, with a few new ones sprinkled in.
So, what then are the top priorities for a construction CIO in 2026? For today’s blog, let’s ponder a few key areas, starting with specific technology objectives.
- From the field to the office: This has been a strategic imperative for many construction executives for years. How do we bridge the gap between the technology at the jobsite and the systems in the office? From sensors to apps, a big priority will continue to be making sure systems talk to each other from the office to the field.
- Modernize the tech stack: This is an ongoing imperative for the CIO, as they consider platform consolidation and potential vendor reduction. It isn’t always about adding more shiny new technologies. It is about identifying where there are opportunities to streamline workflows, scale, and integrate.
- Cybersecurity: Every CIO today must constantly be thinking about cybersecurity. Risks are all around, especially in the IT world. Today’s CIO might be considering zero-trust, how to build resilience, and governance for technology. Scenario planning and disaster recovery plans are no longer nice-to-have; they are must-haves. The strategies must also always be finetuned, as technology continues to evolve.
Perhaps one of the newest areas of focus in the technology realm in the past few years is leveraging AI, and now the objectives around AI are becoming more strategic. Here are a few examples:
- Identifying opportunities for AI such as productivity, risk management, and more.
- Embedding machine learning into business workflows.
- Establishing data governance.
Next, let’s turn our attention to some strategic imperatives that are adjacent to technology—things that impact people and process.
- Culture and talent: The people matter in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry. They dream up the designs, and they build the projects. Technology is simply the enabler. Thus, CIOs must constantly be considering how to upskill and reskill, train, and lead.
- A sustainability mindset: Construction must always be thinking about carbon footprint, and now there are technologies available to track and measure sustainability metrics. Construction companies must consider smart buildings and infrastructure and ensure the way they use technologies in their own processes is also sustainable.
- Strategy alignment: Collaboration is king in construction—both across a company and across a project. Trades, suppliers, and other stakeholders must all collaborate succinctly and safely. Project teams must determine how to share data, leverage BIM (building information modeling), and create visibility across an entire project. The CIO will be key to ensuring this across stakeholders.
These are simply a few key imperatives on the desk of the CIO today—and will likely continue into 2026. What would you add? What must today’s construction CIO be considering as we move into the new year?
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