The Smart Construction Network (SCN) is a new and free digital resource providing support for industry organisations taking crucial first steps towards adopting smarter, more modern methods of construction.
The online resource has been created for industry by the Smart Construction Network (SCN) with the support of the Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) and is intended to help firms navigate their way through the vast range of expertise and support available.
The Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) at the University of Cambridge is an active member of UKCRIC and one of a number of centres of excellence that are part of the nation-wide offering of expertise and support available – from training and knowledge sharing to R&D facilities and networking.
“As a champion of smart infrastructure solutions, CSIC welcomes the launch of the Smart Construction Network that identifies specialist organisations and expertise that can support industry in its evolution to modern methods of construction and digital transformation,” said Dr Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC. “The construction sector needs to innovate rapidly to change the way we deliver, manage and operate our built assets. Smarter construction can deliver better whole life productivity, efficiency and sustainability and offer a competitive edge to UK organisations working in an increasingly resource-constrained future.”
The Smart Construction Network (formerly Centres of Excellence Network) has its origins in 2018, following a review by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Innovation in Buildings workstream which identified a need for ‘Centres of Excellence’ to support the uptake of Smart Construction in the housing sector. Since its launch, the Network has grown to include organisations with world-leading expertise in the fields of offsite manufacturing, BIM and digital construction, and high-performance buildings.
“We know there are many construction businesses out there that would like to make the journey towards smarter construction but are perhaps uncertain about how and where to begin that journey,” said Shelagh Grant, Smart Construction network Chairperson. “Across the Smart Construction Network, our members offer an extensive range of world-leading expertise. In collaborating to create this free digital resource, we want to help accelerate the pace of transformation in our sector by making it easier for businesses of all sizes to identify and avail of the type of expertise and support that is right for them.”
If any UKCRIC organisation or centre that can provide expertise in this area is not yet included in the published SCN list please contact the CLC at construction.enquiries@beis.gov.uk
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