How long does it take to digitalise a construction industry?
Watch the episode on YouTube right here!
Digitalising an entire industry doesn’t happen overnight. Especially not construction, an industry built on tradition, relationships, and physical outcomes.
But when you zoom in on how digitalisation unfolds, policy shifts, public sector influence, tech adoption, and cultural change, you begin to see the slow, deliberate path forward.
In our recent podcast episode, “How long does it take to digitalise a construction industry?”, we sat down with Troels Hoff, Director of digital development at Ramboll and member of DiKon, to unpack that very question. The episode is a realistic yet hopeful look at the timeline, obstacles, and opportunities tied to going digital – from Denmark’s vantage point.
In the following article, we’ll discuss:
- It’s a 20-year journey, not a 2-year fix
- Public policy lights the fuse
- What can other countries learn from Denmark?
It’s a 20-year journey, not a 2-year fix
Digitalisation isn’t a campaign, it’s a culture shift.
Troels points to Denmark’s experience, where the journey began over 20 years ago with government-led initiatives. Early mandates around digital handovers and structured data paved the way. But even in one of Europe’s most digitally mature construction sectors, the work is ongoing.
“It started with public mandates and BIM requirements,” Troels explains.
Compare that to construction markets where digitalisation is left entirely to the private sector. You see inconsistent adoption, fragmented tooling, and isolated success stories rather than systemic change.
So how long does it take to digitalise a construction industry?
If Denmark is the benchmark: a generation.
Public policy lights the fuse
One of the most effective catalysts for industry-wide digitalisation? Legislation.
Denmark introduced digital requirements in public tenders as early as the mid-2000s. The government didn’t just encourage digital workflows, they required them. That changed how architectural drawings were submitted, how data was structured, and how contractors collaborated – on public projects. But these new workflows spread quite quickly to the private sector.
The outcome? Clarity.
Information exchange improved. Software improved.
Teams started building on shared data rather than fragmented documents.
“Policy helped create the baseline,” Troels explains.
But, even within a digital leader like Denmark, digital maturity varies.
Small contractors and consultants often lead the charge because they’re agile. They can adopt new tools quickly and align their teams around process changes. Meanwhile, larger organisations, despite their resources, can get bogged down in legacy systems and internal resistance.
This mirrors the broader European picture. Digitalisation isn’t about having the best software. It’s about:
- Knowing your workflows
- Identifying inefficiencies
- Training people effectively
What can other countries learn from Denmark?
If your country is looking to digitalise its construction sector, Denmark offers a proven playbook:
- Start with legislation. Set digital standards for public projects.
- Invest in education. Help industry professionals understand why digital matters.
- Foster collaboration. Ensure stakeholders are aligned on workflows.
- Accept the timeline. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a natural evolution.
So, how long does it take to digitalise a construction industry?
Longer than you think. But shorter, if you do it with intention.
Denmark didn’t become a digital frontrunner by chance. It took alignment between government, industry practices and enough time for the market to mature.
For construction professionals across Europe, the takeaway is clear: if you want to understand the digital future of your industry, you can start by studying Denmark.