What Skills Are Construction Industry Employers Looking for in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming construction management (CM), driving a demand for new forms of digital leadership and professional expertise. This study explores the skills and attributes construction employers expect from future CM professionals as AI adoption increases. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 30 professionals from 22 U.S. construction firms, the research identifies three core competency domains: (1) AI-enabled workflow implementation, (2) reflexive learning and ethical reasoning, and (3) domain competence, interpersonal skills, and human-centered integration. Findings reveal that employers view AI literacy and adaptability as critical market differentiators. This signals an urgent need for educational reform and adaptation. The study contributes empirically grounded evidence for aligning CM education and professional development with the demands of an AI-driven industry.

Keyphrases: artificial intelligence, construction management, digital leadership, workforce

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 605-614.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/7LKw
	https://doi.org/10.29007/w6ll

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:What_Skills_Are_Construction,
  author    = {Kofi A. B. Asare},
  title     = {What Skills Are Construction Industry Employers Looking for in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/7LKw},
  doi       = {10.29007/w6ll},
  pages     = {605-614},
  year      = {2026}}

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