Construction Industry Leaders Converge in Berlin to Address Looming Infrastructure Data Crisis

Industry analysts from Verdantix report that the infrastructure sector is facing a potential €12 trillion investment gap by 2040, driven largely by fragmented information that is often lost or siloed during project handovers.

The warning is concluded at the Bentley Systems Illuminate 2026 conference where infrastructure experts gathered to address potential crisis within the industry.

According to the report, the industry is struggling to manage the vast data demands of aging assets and complex, modern infrastructure projects.  To combat these challenges, the conference highlighted the essential role of Bentley Systems’ software suite in centralizing project management.

Platforms like ProjectWise serve as critical coordination layers, establishing a “single source of truth” that allows teams to maintain standardized data throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.

By leveraging these tools, organizations can overcome the persistent hurdles of data configuration and access control, ensuring that vital information remains usable from initial design through to daily operations.

Furthermore, the integration of digital twins—as seen in major international projects like China’s Tianshan Shengli Tunnel—is proving transformative. These digital models, combined with subsurface intelligence, allow engineers to identify and mitigate risks long before construction begins.

While advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are accelerating productivity in risk analytics and planning, analysts emphasize that these tools must be guided by human domain expertise to ensure data governance remains strong.

Moving forward, the industry’s success will depend on these intelligent data management strategies to extend the lifespan of essential infrastructure and navigate increasing climate and system pressures.

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