Peggy zooms in on one of the seven critical infrastructure verticals: energy and power, which is projected to require a staggering $23 trillion in investment through 2040. She unpacks the global trends shaping the sector—from the rise of renewables to digital transformation—and explores how we must rethink infrastructure to meet rising expectations.
She also discusses:
· Why energy demand is rising and how renewable energy and low-carbon sources will come into play.
· The emerging role of small modular reactors and what countries are already taking action.
· The need for grid resilience—and how digital twins, edge, and AI (artificial intelligence) can help.
Peggy Smedley and Anil Sawhney, head of sustainability, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and Kay Pitman, sustainability analyst, RICS, talk about the highlights from a new AI (artificial intelligence) and construction report 2025, current rates of adoption, blockers to adoption, and the outlook. He says the report was an outcome from conversations and a survey from members who are at the forefront of technology. Pitman says the technology is rapidly evolving, and AI has the potential to reshape the industry.
They also discuss:
· How many construction respondents reported no use of AI.
· The widening gap between investment ambition and organizational readiness.
· Two levels we need to think about when we think about AI.
Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about the real cost behind not investing in reskilling and if a talent gap is on the horizon already. He says it depends on how you define it because there are going to be skills by 2030 that we don’t even know we need yet.
They also discuss:
· Where the biggest risk lies.
· One of the prime reasons workers leave companies.
· Where the real skill lies today—and how durable skills come into play.
Want to be a guest on The Peggy Smedley Show? Check out the exciting topics planned for the coming months and send your show ideas to [email protected]
November: Construction Connectivity Trends to Watch
December: Year in Review