Navigating the Industry 4.0 Revolution in Canada’s Construction Sector

COMMENTARY

By Adebayo Adeboye Fashina

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As someone deeply engaged in research and strategic thinking in construction project management, I have witnessed firsthand how the industry evolves with new technologies. However, when it comes to Industry 4.0, Canada’s construction sector is still struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements seen in other parts of the world. While the potential benefits of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins are widely acknowledged, the actual implementation remains uneven and often fragmented. The question is, how can Canada successfully navigate this digital revolution?

The Lagging Digital Adoption in Canada’s Construction Industry

Despite the well-documented advantages of Industry 4.0 technologies, Canada’s construction sector remains one of the least digitized industries in the country. According to a 2023 report by the Canadian Construction Association, only about 28% of construction firms have implemented digital solutions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) or AI-driven analytics, compared to over 50% in countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. Many firms still rely on traditional project management methods, hesitant to embrace AI-driven predictive analytics, robotics, or blockchain-powered smart contracts. The reasons for this hesitation vary, but high implementation costs, workforce resistance, and regulatory uncertainty stand out as key barriers.

I have observed that smaller and mid-sized firms struggle the most with this transition. Unlike large multinational corporations that have the resources to invest in smart construction technologies, many Canadian construction companies operate on thin profit margins and view digital transformation as a costly experiment rather than a necessary evolution. If this mindset persists, the industry risks falling further behind global competitors.

Bridging the Skills Gap in a Rapidly Changing Industry

One of my primary concerns is the widening skills gap in the construction sector. Industry 4.0 demands a workforce proficient in data analytics, automation, and digital modeling, yet many Canadian construction professionals lack access to relevant training programs. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum has noted that less than 20% of construction workers have received any formal training in digital construction tools. This gap is not just a matter of job displacement due to automation; it is also about failing to equip workers with the tools to thrive in a changing environment.

The Canadian government and industry leaders must collaborate to develop robust upskilling initiatives that focus on training workers in digital construction methods. Universities and technical colleges should also adapt their curricula to reflect the increasing role of AI, IoT, and robotics in construction. Without a workforce prepared to engage with new technologies, the promise of Industry 4.0 will remain unrealized.

More…

To read entire article, click here

How to cite this paper: Fashina, A. A. (2025). Navigating the Industry 4.0 Revolution in Canada’s Construction Sector PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue III, March.  Available online at http://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pmwj150-Mar2025-Fashina-Navigating-Industry-4.0-Revolution-in-Canadas-Construction-Sector.docx

About the Author

Dr. Adebayo Adeboye Fashina

Toronto, Canada

Dr. Adebayo Adeboye Fashina is a seasoned educator, researcher, and consultant with fifteen years of substantial international experience in teaching, research, community service, developmental training, leadership, consulting, and capacity building across various educational levels. His career reflects a strong commitment to advancing education, fostering innovation, and addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and impactful solutions.

Dr. Fashina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Electronics, an MSc in Theoretical Physics, and a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Physics. He is also an alumnus of the Executive MBA program at the Quantic School of Business and Technology, USA.

As a renowned educator and researcher, Dr. Fashina is highly regarded by both students and colleagues for his teaching excellence, mentorship, and ability to address student concerns effectively. He has taught over 500 students from more than 20 countries, covering diverse subjects such as renewable energy, physics, and project/engineering management. His expertise extends to higher education systems, with in-depth knowledge of both American and British curricula.

Dr. Fashina is currently an Independent Researcher based in Toronto, Canada, where he continues to contribute to global knowledge through his research and consultancy efforts. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and project management skills, with a proven track record of leading and managing project teams to achieve successful outcomes. His interests span sustainable living, renewable energy policy and management, education organization management systems (EOMS), effective project management, and construction management.

He has held several key academic and leadership roles, including positions as a Senior Lecturer at Kampala International University, Uganda; Associate Professor of Applied Physics at William V. S. Tubman University, Liberia; and Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering Management at Gollis University, Hargeisa.

Dr. Fashina’s accomplishments include being a finalist in the “Emerging Leaders” award category at the 2016 Nigeria Energy Forum and being nominated for the 2016 Sustainable Energy Africa Awards. He has published over 45 articles in reputed journals, delivered training workshops, and presented at conferences worldwide.

Dedicated to fostering innovation, promoting community impact, and advancing education globally, Dr. Fashina continues to be a driving force in his field. Dr. Adebayo Fashina can be reached at adebayofashinaca@gmail.com.