ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report
The ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report, was prepared by The National Platform for the Built Environment, and published in October 2008.
The National Platform for the Built Environment (The National Platform) is a UK-based strategic body established to promote the built environment and define research priorities to UK and EU research funders. It is an industry-owned organisation with members from business, research and academia.
ICTA stands for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Automation. In June 2006, the National Platform’s Strategic Research Agenda identiified the importance of research into ICTA and automation for the future competitiveness of the UK construction industry, and an ICTA Working Group was established.
The ICTA Scoping Study was commissioned in August 2007. It was intended to produce a long-term research programme / roadmap for ICTA and to identify and engage key stakeholders.
In the foreword to the report, Keith Clarke (National Platform High Level Group Chairman) and Bob White (National Platform Support Group Chairman) suggest that ‘The future success of the UK construction industry in an increasingly competitive global market will depend upon the efficiency with which we create and reuse information throughout the design, construction and whole life management of our built assets. Innovations here will also support dramatic improvements in how we collaborate in the timely and efficient creation of a more sustainable built environment.’
The report was intended as a ‘Call to Arms’ for the industry identifying the types of information, communication and automation technologies that needed to be developed and providing a vision for how they might be integrated.
The report identified five key research topics:
- Collaborative prototyping to define and deliver client requirements.
- Efficient, seamless sharing of information across built environment stakeholders.
- Ability to interact with real-time information regardless of physical location or timezone.
- Mass adoption and application of off-site manufacturing, automation and mechanisation processes and systems.
- Well trained, well qualified workforce able to use the latest best-practice technologies.
For each of these research topics, a detailed roadmap was created, setting out the products, services and technologies necessary to address key drivers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.