Digital transformation is often framed as a technology problem, but our research reveals that an analogue organisational culture is the real barrier. Join our workshop to learn how data-enabled organisations in the built environment are successfully embracing new technology.
The pace of technological change is accelerating, making it hard to adapt - particularly in the public sector. To help address these organisational barriers to change, digital experts will lead this session designed specifically for built environment practitioners.
This workshop is for everyone, not just digital specialists, and we won't be focusing on specific systems or technical fixes. Instead, we will explore how to develop a digital-first culture, grounded in new research conducted on our behalf by Masters students from Queen Mary University of London as part of our From Data to Decisions programme.
Early insights suggest the biggest hurdles aren’t technical. Instead, organisations continue to grapple with fragmented data, disconnected systems, and inconsistent governance that make it difficult to turn information into confident, timely decisions.
Some organisations are simply digitising existing analogue processes rather than redesigning them, limiting the value of new tools. Meanwhile, the sudden arrival of accessible AI is spotlighting deeper questions around data quality, interoperability, and organisational readiness.
Hear from industry leaders
The workshop will showcase practical examples of digital innovation from organisations working across the built environment, including:
- Abhimanyu Acharya, Head of Digital Innovation, Prior + Partners – sharing insights from Place+, a shared spatial intelligence platform supporting place-based decision-making.
- Jenny Obee, Information and Digital Technology Director, Related Argent – reflecting on digital transformation across major regeneration projects.
- Tim Pope, Managing Consultant, PA Consulting – sharing private sector perspectives on digital innovation in planning and development.
This interactive session invites you to test, challenge, and build on these emerging findings alongside peers from across the sector.
Through research insights and practical case studies, we will explore what successful transformation looks like in practice to help you identify the conditions needed to thrive. You will also have an early opportunity to help us shape our new Digital Reality Check diagnostic tool, which will be a practical output from the project.
Details
When: Thursday 23 July 2026, 13:30 – 17:30
Where: SW1
Registration is essential for this event.
Thanks to our programme sponsors PA Consulting
RSVP
This event is free to attend thanks to our supporters, but places are limited and registration is essential.
- Click 'Register now' and fill out the form.
- You will receive an email to acknowledge your request to attend (if you don't see it, please check your junk folder). Please note this email is NOT a confirmation of your place.
- We'll let you know if a place becomes available. This is likely to be two weeks from registration.
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Note: We'll take photographs at this event. For information on how we use photographs or to notify us that you don't want to be photographed, contact events@futureoflondon.org.uk.