A new digital taskforce is being established to boost the UK's infrastructure and help the industry better plan for the country's future construction needs.

Led by the University of Cambridge's Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB), the initiative will combine the expertise of the industry, academia and government into a team tasked to advise on how data, AI and machine learning can help us predict and meet the needs of the UK.

The work will build on the success of previous construction projects, like the London 2012 Olympics and Crossrail, where digitisation led to greater productivity and efficiency.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick, will officially launch the taskforce during a visit to Cambridge today, 19 July.

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He said: "We are investing record amounts in UK infrastructure to build the roads, railways, schools and hospitals we need.

"There are vast amounts of data and information on the UK's infrastructure, but only with better coordination can its incredible potential help us meet the country's needs.

"What we've announced today will support this ambition. That way vital projects like transport, housing and broadband will complement each other and help us ensure our infrastructure is fit for the future."

Professor Andy Neely, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Enterprise and Business Relations at the University of Cambridge, said: "Digital technologies are shaping all industrial sectors and will have a profound impact on construction. The core aim of the Digital Framework Task Group (DFTG) is to ensure that the UK is well positioned to capitalise on the use of data for the public good in the UK's economic infrastructure and the wider built and natural environments.

"To achieve this the DFTG will collaborate closely with industry, policy makers and academia to develop and encourage adoption of the digital framework for infrastructure data.

"The framework will unlock the potential of digital twins, and the next generation of digital construction and smarter infrastructure advances."

(LM/MH)