Report Launch Event

Leveraging Digital Technologies to Boost Productivity in Construction

The Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC) at Western Sydney University, in collaboration with the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI), will host the official launch of the DigiCon Policy Directions Framework Report on Monday, 8 December 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm AEDT at Level 9, 1 Parramatta Square, Parramatta City Campus, Western Sydney University.

This high-level event will bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore how digital technologies can transform productivity, sustainability, and innovation in the construction sector.

Register to Attend

Seats are limited — register now to secure your place at this landmark event.
Click here to RSVP

A Landmark Collaboration for Industry Transformation

This launch marks the culmination of the project Development of a Strategic Policy Directions Framework for the Digitalisation of the NSW Construction Sector, a landmark research initiative funded by the Australian Public Policy Institute (formerly the James Martin Institute for Public Policy).

The project represents a significant step forward in accelerating the digital transformation of the New South Wales construction industry — a sector vital to the state’s economy and future prosperity. Through rigorous research and broad stakeholder engagement, the project provides a robust, evidence-based framework to guide policy, investment, and system reform, ensuring that digital innovation becomes a cornerstone of the construction sector’s future growth and resilience.

The Research Team

The research was led by Professor Srinath Perera (Lead Investigator) from c4SMC, supported by Professor Xiaohua Jin, Dr Marini Samaratunga, and Professor Kathy Tannous, together with Professor Chyi Lin Lee from the University of New South Wales. The team was ably supported by research assistants Sachindra Hewavitharana and Mona Jahangir Zadeh.

Together, this team combined academic excellence and deep industry insight to deliver a framework that is practical, strategic, and aligned with the needs of both policymakers and practitioners.

About the DigiCon Policy Directions Framework

The DigiCon Policy Directions Framework provides an evidence-based roadmap to advance digital adoption across the construction industry. It aligns closely with the NSW Government’s innovation and infrastructure agendas, identifying the digital capabilities, policy levers, and collaborative actions required to enhance sector-wide productivity and sustainability.

The Framework was informed by:

  • A comprehensive literature review of global best practices;
  • Engagement with over 100 industry stakeholders across diverse sectors;
  • 38 in-depth interviews with representatives from key professional bodies including AIB, AIQS, AIA, CIOB, UDIA, MBA, BuildingSMART, and Engineers Australia; and
  • A Public Policy Expert Forum, which refined and validated the final framework through a process of collaborative review and feedback.

These findings have been distilled into actionable strategic directions designed to accelerate the construction sector’s transition toward a digitally enabled, data-driven future.

Distinguished Guests and Expert Discussion

Special guests at the event include:

  • The Hon. Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Water, Housing and Homelessness
  • James Sherrard, NSW Building Commissioner

The event will also include a panel discussion featuring key policy and industry leaders, including:

  • Matt Press, Assistant Building Commissioner, NSW
  • Nancy Chang, Executive Director, Planning and Housing Economic, Housing and Infrastructure Policy

Shaping the Future of a Digitally Enabled Industry

The launch of the DigiCon Policy Directions Framework marks an important milestone in advancing the digital maturity of the NSW construction sector. It underscores Western Sydney University’s and c4SMC’s ongoing commitment to supporting evidence-based policy, innovation, and workforce transformation.

By fostering stronger partnerships between government, research institutions, and industry, the project aims to create a more productive, resilient, and sustainable construction ecosystem capable of delivering the infrastructure and housing needed for the state’s growing population.

Event Details

Date: Monday, 8 December 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm AEDT
Venue: Level 9, 1 Parramatta Square, Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus
Seats are limited — register now to attend.
Click here to RSVP

For further information, please refer to the attached event flyer